Week-long suspension ignites protest

Demonstrators block Shaheen Complex Chowk causing massive traffic gridlocks

KARACHI:

The residents of Railway Colony staged a protest near Shaheen Complex against prolonged power outages, causing severe traffic congestion in the surrounding areas.

Frustrated by days-long electricity suspension, residents - including women and children - took to the streets and blocked roads near Shaheen Complex. The protest led to a major traffic jam at Shaheen Complex Chowk, with long queues of vehicles forming.

Traffic flow on key roads, including I I Chundrigar Road and Dr Ziauddin Road, was badly affected. Protesters said that electricity had been unavailable for nearly a week during intense heat, severely disrupting daily life. Despite repeated complaints to the relevant authorities, no action had been taken, forcing them to protest.

They warned that the demonstration would continue until power was restored. In response, a heavy contingent of traffic police was deployed to manage the situation and divert the traffic to alternate routes.

Police also reached the scene and held negotiations with the protesters, assuring them that electricity would be restored soon. Following these assurances, the protesters dispersed, and traffic flow at Shaheen Complex was gradually restored.