Power protests erupted across several parts of Karachi as residents took to the streets over prolonged and unannounced outages, blocking major roads and burning tyres while demanding restoration of electricity.Demonstrations were reported in Pak Colony, Liaquatabad, Gharibabad, Nishtar Road, Bhimpura and Ranchore Line, disrupting traffic across key parts of Pakistan’s commercial capital. In Liaquatabad, protesters blocked major intersections, while clashes between traders and K-Electric (KE) staff over outages escalated into tyre-burning on Nishtar Road, as reported by local news outle Dawn.Residents said they were facing 12 hours or more of daily power cuts, often without adequate notice. The outages have also disrupted water supplies as pumping stations remain shut when electricity is unavailable, adding to public anger.“Bill-paying citizens are being punished with 12-hour load-shedding,” a protester in Liaquatabad said.The crisis also hit businesses and households, with residents reporting spoiled food, disrupted studies and sleepless nights as fans remained unusable during blackouts.The protests compounded an already severe traffic situation in the city. Roads were also closed for traditional Chup Tazia processions, while the power protests triggered additional blockades. Traffic police diverted vehicles to alternative routes, but those too became congested.Asif Khan, a private-sector employee, told Dawn he took four hours to travel from SITE to Liaquatabad after leaving work around 5pm. Another commuter said an ambulance carrying his feverish mother was stuck for about two hours near Civic Centre while they were travelling to a doctor in Saddar.“We pay bills on time but still face 12-hour power outages. Today we couldn’t even reach home,” commuter Imran from Gharibabad said.KE, however, attributed the prolonged outages in some affected areas to electricity theft and unpaid bills. A company spokesperson said outstanding dues from defaulters in Bandhani Colony and Rexer Line had crossed PKR 3 billion, adding that the duration of load-shedding depended on “electricity theft and the level of losses in the area”.The protests come as Karachi continues to grapple with an electricity crisis that is also affecting water supply, businesses and daily life across densely populated neighbourhoods.
