Protests erupt in Karachi against prolonged power cuts

KARACHI: Residents of Karachi are reeling under the burden of prolonged power cuts and load-shedding, sparking a series of protests across the city. The latest demonstrations blocked major roads, disrupting traffic flow and daily life.

In Liaquatabad No-10, residents took to the streets, burning tires and blocking the road, while in Maripur, protesters gathered in front of the K Electric office, decrying the electricity shortage. These protests have become a daily occurrence in various areas of Karachi, as citizens demand relief from the crippling power outages.

The power shortfall in Karachi has reached a staggering 600 megawatts, leaving citizens in Sarjani Town, New Karachi, North Karachi, Liaquatabad, Baldia Town, Lyari, Korangi, Landhi, and Malir without electricity for hours. The sweltering heat has pushed electricity demand to 3500 megawatts, exacerbating the crisis.

Also read: Gandapur issues 15-day ultimatum to federal govt on load-shedding

K Electric claimed that 70 per cent of the city receives uninterrupted power supply, attributing load-shedding to non-payment of electricity bills and power theft. However, residents disputed this, citing the widespread nature of the outages.

As the city struggles to cope with the electricity crisis, residents are also facing a severe water shortage, adding to their misery. The government and K Electric are under pressure to address the issue, as Karachi’s citizens demand a reliable and consistent power supply.

Meanwhile, the national power shortfall has reached 6,623 megawatts, with rural areas experiencing eight-hour power cuts and urban areas facing six-hour outages. The country’s electricity demand stands at 25,800 megawatts, while production lags at 19,170 megawatts.