Karachi residents hold protest against water and electricity outage

Residents of Karachi on Saturday blocked Jahangir Road as a protest to ongoing water and electricity outages, as per The Express Tribune.

During the past week, residents have been experiencing severe and unusual load-shedding, leading to power outages during the daytime.

As a result of the protest, traffic police closed both lanes of Jahangir Road. To assist commuters traveling from Teen Hatti, the police offered an alternative route through PIB Colony.

The factions of the Battagram Trade Union have announced a complete shutter-down strike and sit-in beginning Tuesday in response to the widespread power outage in Karachi district, Pakistan. Until then, the union will withhold electricity bill payments.

The outrage affected small businesses like tailors and welders, creating a virtual halt in commercial activities. This has frustrated both residents and business firms in the same manner as they rely on electricity for their daily purposes.

As per the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) department, "The power cuts took place after an order taken by the High Court related to an alleged incident involving the assault of a female prisoner at the Battagram sub-jail."

Conversely, the trade union has rejected the explanation for the power outage, labeling it as "ridiculous." They argue that the daytime power outages are solely to ensure a continuous electricity supply at night for the ongoing operation of CCTV cameras in the sub-jail.

The union further contended that the decision to cut power constitutes an "economic murder" of local traders, who have been unable to conduct business for over a week. Consequently, the union is urging immediate action to restore power supply in the area, aiming to safeguard the economic interests of both residents and business operators.