Power, water protests trigger traffic chaos in Karachi

KARACHI:

Frequent protests over prolonged electricity and water shortages brought traffic in several parts of the city to a standstill on Monday, leaving thousands of commuters stranded for hours. Ambulances were also seen stuck in the gridlock as road blockades disrupted major routes.

According to traffic police, residents staged protests over power outages on Manghopir Road near Good Luck Marriage Hall, causing traffic to remain suspended on both sides towards the Lyari Expressway toll plaza. The blockade led to severe congestion around Lasbela Chowk, Nishtar Road, Gurumandir, Teen Hatti and Nazimabad. Another protest was held outside a K-Electric office near Darul Uloom Korangi at around 5:30pm, blocking both sides of 8,000 Road between Korangi and Murtaza Chowrangi. Long queues of vehicles formed on adjoining roads.

Later, residents of Gharibabad blocked both tracks of Sir Shah Suleman Road between Gharibabad and Hasan Square over power outages. The protest caused traffic queues extending for several kilometres, with congestion reported on routes linking Shahrah-i-Faisal, Karsaz, National Stadium and University Road.

A further protest in Nazimabad No. 1 also disrupted traffic on Hakim Ibn-i-Sina Road, affecting surrounding areas and traffic between SITE and Nazimabad.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the worsening traffic situation and sought immediate reports from the Karachi commissioner and police chief. He directed K-Electric and Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation officials to resolve public complaints and ordered traffic police and district administration to clear blocked roads and restore traffic flow on Shahrah-i-Faisal, Karsaz and Drigh Road.