Power outages, water and gas shortage spark protests

Protestors urge caretaker govt to take action on the matter instead of making hollow promises

KARACHI:

Residents of Lines Area took to the streets to protest against authorities, decrying the lack of essential services such as gas, water, and electricity.

The caretaker government's apparent indifference to the people's struggles amid their own privileges fueled frustration.

The protest caused severe traffic jams, inconvenience to citizens.

Reportedly, a large number of residents including women and children, came out of their homes at Lines Area, New Preddy Street and staged a protest beside a sit-in and suspended the traffic flow against the gas and electricity load shedding and non-supply of water. They highlighted the challenges of living without electricity, water, and gas, in addition to the financial burdens due to inflation. The protestors urged the caretaker government to translate promises into tangible actions.

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Similarly, in Orangi Town, another protest unfolded against the absence of gas supply, with residents demanding swift resolution to avoid prolonged unrest.

Simultaneously, in different areas, protests against water and electricity shortages disrupted traffic flow, prompting intervention by the Brigade Police.

Residents lamented the authorities for paying no heed to the issues.

Despite repeated appeals falling on deaf ears of the authorities, the protestors demanded immediate action to restore water and electricity supply.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for K-Electric refuted claims of unannounced load shedding but acknowledged scheduled cuts. Uninterrupted power supply, they stated, hinged on timely bill payments.

The spokesperson added that outstanding payments in Jamshed Road Bihar Colony have surpassed Rs25 million.

As a consequence of non-payment, electricity has been cut off for defaulters. K-Electric personnel faced violence during the crackdown on electricity theft, resulting in the filing of an FIR against the perpetrators.

The K Electric spokesperson further stated that legal action would be taken against those involved.

Residents are urged to prioritise bill payments, emphasising that timely settlements contribute to minimising or eliminating load shedding in the area.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 20^th, 2023.