Anger over power, water supply cuts boils over
Demonstrations were held in different areas of Karachi against the over-billing of electricity bills. SCREENGRAB/TWITTER
Pent-up anger over ongoing power outages and water shortages during the sweltering heat boiled over in different parts of the metropolitan city on Wednesday as protesters burnt tyres to vent their anger, badly disrupting traffic flow on key roads.
A protest was staged outside the K-Electric office near the Shaheed Millat signal on Tipu Sultan Road, bringing vehicular traffic to grinding halt. This resulted in a traffic mess with long lines of vehicles on both sides of the rod.
Similar protests were staged Aga Khan Soyam Road and Uncle Saria Hospital in Garden, where protesters called for immediate restoration of power supply to their areas.
Protesters said that load-shedding during the scorching heat has made it impossible to stay home. They slammed the power utility for frequent outages in the name of "maintenance" and "technical fault."
Meanwhile, protests were also staged in various other neighbourhoods, including at Jail Chowrangi, on University Road, Old Sabzi Mandi, and near Askari Park. Protesters blocked the roads, resulting severe traffic jams. Many stranded commuters expressed their anger over the lack of response from officials.
Similarly, a protest was also organised on National Highway near Quaid-e-Azam Park where protesters blocked both lanes between Malir 15 and Hafiz Sweets, causing traffic disruptions. Protesters burnt tyres and shouted slogans against K-Electric.
A spokesperson for K-Electric stated that outstanding dues in Old Sabzi Mandi and nearby areas have exceeded Rs450 million.
He added that the utility could not supply free electricity to consumers, and that supply would be restored if community leaders assured payment of outstanding bills.