Power protest causes massive traffic jam

KE says staff out to cut 'kunda' connections attacked, held hostage at gunpoint in Punjab Colony

KARACHI:

Residents of Punjab Colony, P&T Colony, and surrounding areas on Tuesday staged a protest against persisting water shortage and prolonged power outage.

Demonstrators blocked the road near Punjab Chowrangi, leading to terrible traffic congestion in Clifton, Defence, Ghizri, Korangi, and nearby localities. The morning rush hour chaos caused significant delays for commuters going to work.

According to a K-Electric spokesperson, the protest was allegedly organised to pressure the utility company into restoring power for those involved in electricity theft.

The disruption resulted in long queues of trucks, trailers, and tankers, aggravating the misery for those trying to reach offices, factories, and other workplaces.

Main thoroughfares, including Mai Kolachi Road, Boat Basin, Teen Talwar, Do Talwar, Lilly Bridge, Chaudhry Khaliqul Zaman Road, Ghizri, Qayyumabad Chowrangi, Akhtar Colony, Korangi Road, Kala Pul, Sunset Boulevard, Khayaban-e-Ittehad, Jam Sadiq Bridge, Shaheed-e-Millat Expressway, and Baloch Colony, were badly affected by the protests.

The demonstrations, which continued for several hours, finally ended after negotiations between police and the protestors.

KE spokesperson said that KE workers were attacked in Punjab Colony during a campaign to remove illegal electricity connections, commonly known as 'kunda.' Employees were held at gunpoint and harassed. Subsequently, KE filed a complaint at the local police station, seeking strict action against power pilferers and those threatening their staff.

Meanwhile, residents of Railway Colony on II Chundrigar Road also protested at Shaheen Complex Chowk, demanding restoration of electricity supply. The protest led to the suspension of traffic in the area. Traffic police diverted vehicles to alternative routes from Khajoor Chowk to Awan-e-Saddar Road and MR Kiyani Chowk to SM Law College. Despite their efforts, the traffic flow remained heavily disrupted, causing severe inconvenience to commuters.

A large number of Railway Colony residents chanted slogans against the power utility at Shaheen Complex Chowk. A heavy police contingent was deployed to disperse the protestors and restore traffic flow.