Electricity, water crisis spark protests in Karachi

Protestors cite a year-long cycle of power outages every two hours, despite hefty bills

KARACHI:

Frustrated by the prolonged non-supply of electricity and water, citizens of Karachi took to the streets in protest, Express News reported.

Karachi faced an intense night not just from the sweltering heat, but also due to a worsening electricity crisis that left most parts of the city in darkness.

In Buffer Zone and New Karachi's Godhra Chowk, protestors halted traffic to voice their grievances. They staged sit-ins on roads leading to Sohrab Goth, Namak Bank, and Shafiq Mor, condemning authorities and demanding immediate action to restore power and water services.

Similar scenes unfolded near Godhra Chowk, where residents affected by the electricity and water shortages brought traffic to a standstill in protest.

Traffic jams ensued, inconveniencing commuters as roads were blocked with tyres and garbage set on fire by protestors in Gharibabad and other sectors.

Despite police intervention to calm the situation, the electricity supply remained disrupted throughout the night.

Protestors expressed their frustration, citing a year-long cycle of power outages every two hours, leaving them without reliable electricity despite hefty bills.

"The situation has crossed all limits," remarked one protestor, comparing Karachi's plight to other global struggles. They criticized the government for failing to provide essential services and threatened continued protests until their demands were met.

The crisis has led to demonstrations across various neighbourhoods including Maripur, Lyari, and Malir, highlighting widespread discontent.

Despite sporadic road blockades and fiery protests, the underlying issues persist, exacerbating public frustration.