Power Riots Paralyze Karachi Traffic as Protests Erupt Over Extended Blackouts
KARACHI — Power riots broke out across several parts of Pakistan's commercial capital on Saturday, as angry residents staged hours-long protests against extended and unannounced electricity blackouts, blocking major roads and burning tyres to demand immediate restoration of power, as reported by Dawn.
The unrest erupted across Pak Colony, Liaquatabad, Gharibabad, Nishtar Road, Bhimpura, and Ranchore Line, bringing traffic to a complete standstill in key sectors of the city and leaving thousands of commuters stranded, according to multiple reports.
In Liaquatabad, demonstrators blocked main intersections, disrupting vehicular movement between Civic Centre and Liaquatabad for several hours. In Pak Colony, residents, together with members of local union committees, organised rallies to voice outrage over severe daily power cuts and the resulting water shortages.
On Nishtar Road, agitation escalated following altercations between traders and K-Electric (KE) personnel over persistent blackouts, with tyres set ablaze at several points. In Bhimpura and Ranchore Line, shopkeepers joined hands with residents, stating that business operations had been severely impacted by the erratic power supply.
According to Dawn, the extensive road blockades triggered severe traffic gridlocks that rapidly spilt over into District South and adjacent localities. As traditional Chup Tazia processions were also being taken out on Saturday, multiple thoroughfares were closed off, leading to widespread congestion. The violent street protests drastically worsened the situation, leaving commuters trapped in massive traffic jams.
Commuters and Residents Describe Hardship
Asif Khan, an employee at a private firm, recounted that he left his office on I.I. Chundrigarh Road around 5 pm and, travelling via S.I.T.E., required four hours to cover the distance to Liaquatabad. A resident of Gulshan-i-Iqbal said her mother was suffering from a high fever and their ambulance got stuck for at least two hours near Civic Centre.
Imran from Gharibabad stated: "We pay bills on time but still face 12-hour power outages. Today we couldn't even reach home. The whole city is jammed because of both the procession and these protests." Traffic police diverted vehicles to alternative routes, but those channels were also completely choked.
Residents cited by Dawn reported up to 12 hours or more of daily power cuts, often with short notice. Protesters said the electricity crisis crippled the municipal water supply network, as pumping stations remained non-functional during blackouts. A protester in Liaquatabad stated: "Bill-paying citizens are being punished with 12-hour load-shedding."
A resident of Gharibabad said food supplies were spoiling, children were unable to study, and families were deprived of sleep at night due to lack of power.
K-Electric Defends Load-Shedding
A K-Electric spokesperson claimed that outstanding arrears owed by defaulters in Bandhani Colony and Rexer Line areas exceeded PKR 3 billion. The spokesperson said that residents in these areas continue to engage in electricity theft and default on their bills despite repeated kunda removal drives. The spokesperson noted that the exact duration of load-shedding is determined by electricity theft and the level of losses in the area.