Over 100 protest demonstrations swept across Karachi as residents voiced anger over persistent power outages, overcharging issues, and severe water shortages exacerbated by the recent heatwave, which reportedly claimed hundreds of lives in affected areas. Protesters gathered outside Karachi Electric’s (KE) Integrated Business Centers (IBCs), water hydrants, and key city locations, representing diverse sections of society. Carrying placards and banners, they chanted slogans targeting KE, the water board, and the government for their perceived failures in addressing critical infrastructure challenges.
Leaders leading the protests called upon the government to hold KE and the water corporation accountable for resolving the power and water crises swiftly. MunemZafar, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi, highlighted that these crises are interconnected and emphasized the role of regulatory authorities like NEPRA in ensuring fair practices by KE. Zafar criticized both the government and NEPRA for allegedly enabling KE’s excessive load shedding, which reportedly reaches up to 18 hours in some areas. He accused the authorities of failing to fulfill their responsibilities, pushing Karachi residents to the brink of frustration and unrest. Addressing the water scarcity issue, Zafar accused the Sindh government of neglecting Karachi’s water needs, alleging punitive measures against the city for political reasons. He recalled past projects initiated by JI leaders to improve water supply and criticized the current government for stalling the completion of critical water projects like K4. In response to what they perceive as unjust policies, JI announced a resistance movement against what they termed as “cruel policies and corrupt practices” impacting Karachi residents.
Zafar highlighted the flourishing of the tanker mafia under current conditions and criticized the Sindh government’s financial gains from water hydrants amid the crisis.
