Prolonged load-shedding triggers agitations in Karachi

Victims of power outages burn tyres and block roads in various parts of city

Shop owners and residents from Empress Market and Disco Bakery areas blocked traffic on busy roads on Monday in a protest against K-Electric, the city’s electricity provider. Demonstrators burnt old tyres and other items, chanting slogans against the power company.

Police and traffic officers arrived at the scene, negotiated with the protesters, and eventually reopened the roads to restore the flow of traffic.

Angry protesters criticised the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) for failing to address unannounced power outages during the heatwave. "NEPRA has closed its eyes to the load-shedding," said one protester. "It seems NEPRA is helpless in front of K-Electric."

Read: Power shortfall rises further by 778MW in a day

The protest comes amid a nationwide electricity crisis. The country is experienced a shortfall in electricity production amid heatwave like conditions. The country's demand is 24,500 MW, but production stands at 18,655 MW, according to official sources.

"The gap between demand and supply is causing severe disruptions," said an official. "We are working to address the issues, but the situation remains critical."