Karachi Blackout Protest: Traffic Gridlock After 24-Hour Power Outage

Karachi Blackout Protest Causes Traffic Chaos

Residents of Karachi's Punjab Colony blocked major roads on Saturday, protesting a prolonged power outage that lasted over 24 hours. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges with energy management in Pakistan.

Protest Details and Impact

The protest began after residents of an 80-flat, 10-story building experienced a power outage since 11 am on Friday. Frustrated by the lack of response from K-Electric, Karachi's sole power distributor, they blocked roads near Punjab Chowrangi.

The resulting sit-in crippled traffic on Defence Road and nearby areas. Long queues of trucks and tankers vital to Karachi Port were stalled, and major intersections like Boat Basin and Gizri were brought to a standstill.

K-Electric's Response

K-Electric stated that the outage was related to an anti-theft operation in the adjacent P&T Colony. They claimed protesters were attempting to restore illegal connections and that their teams were attacked. However, protesters argued that legal connections were also affected during the sweep.

Systemic Issues Highlighted

While K-Electric claimed to have restored power to some areas, the incident highlights the larger issue of unreliable electricity supply in Pakistan, exacerbated by outdated infrastructure and lack of accountability.