Karachiites take to streets against long power load-shedding

KARACHI: Prolonged power outages in Karachi from the beginning of Ramazan has forced people to stage protests against K-Electric and government.

As the fast observing faithful ran out of patience, they stormed K-Electric's office in Gulistan Johar Block-12. The people damaged the property and set it ablaze. Unidentified men also opened fire at the office late night.

Meanwhile, the civilians' burnt tyres and blocked roads in Nazimabad and Shahrah-i-Faisal areas. The people were of the view that additional, load-shedding by K-Electric is unjustified while the government's silence during the whole scenario is questionable.

The fifth Sehri of Karachiites also underwent a power cut as blackouts were witnessed in homes, streets and markets. Intense hot weather coupled with unending load-shedding has added to people's misery.

Some areas are under the menace of load-shedding from the past two days as the authorities have not been able to restore power. On the other hand, the city is also going through the scarcity of water.

While accusing the government and K-Electric of stealing their rights, people are demanding the availability of uninterrupted electricity supply.

Earlier, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has directed the K-Electric to improve power generation and supply system in Karachi.

He also expressed his anger over prolonged power outages in Karachi. Sindh CM professed that such prolonged outages are not a fair thing to do on behalf of the federal government.

Murad Ali Shah expressed that even 20 percent of K-Electric system is operational.

"We already warned that if K-Electric doesn't improve its performance, problems will be created in Ramazan," Shah expressed. - NNI