Pakistan: Residents block roads in Karachi’s Nazimabad to protest against electricity and water shortage

People frustrated over power and water shortage blocked both lanes of one of the major roads in Karachi’s Nazimabad on Monday evening, resulting in traffic chaos in several areas, Pakistan-based Dawn reported.

Motorists and commuters were stuck in traffic jam on the road connecting Nazimabad to SITE area. There were reports that criminals on the road took advantage of the traffic chaos and stole cash, mobile phones and other valuables from passengers and motorists.

The standoff and reports of people looting in the central and western districts of the city prompted Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to take cognizance of the matter, Dawn reported.

Reports of standoff and people looting in the central and western districts of the city prompted Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to take cognizance. According to the traffic police spokesperson, people blocked both tracks of Hakim Ibne Sina Road near Nadriya stop in protest against the shortage of electricity and water supply.

Vehicular movement was affected due to the blockade and police diverted traffic on alternative routes from Nazimabad-2 to Board Office and from Nazimabad-1 to Habib Bank, Bara Board and Banaras.

The protesters dispersed after officials talked to them and assured them that their problems would be resolved. Meanwhile, Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah took note of the traffic jam and asked the Karachi police chief to submit a report, Dawn reported.

he/she ordered the administration to allow the protests as per law, however, he/she said that the closure of roads caused inconvenience to the people. Murad Ali Shah took cognizance of media reports of looting from people stuck in traffic jams and asked the city police chief to submit a report.

Meanwhile, rising inflation in Pakistan has forced residents of Karachi to grapple with the rising cost of essential commodities, making it difficult for many to afford even basic necessities. Prices of key commodities like tomatoes, onions and petrol have soared in recent months, pushing ordinary Pakistanis into financial crisis.

Locals expressed frustration over the government’s failure to deal with the current crisis and how rising costs have made it almost impossible for many families to manage daily expenses.

One resident shared that the cost of a simple breakfast for a family has now reached 500 Pakistani rupees, which is a significant burden for low-income families.

“It has become incredibly difficult for us to buy anything. The prices of tomatoes and onions have increased so much that they are no longer cheap. Inflation is rising out of control, and the ever-increasing petrol prices are affecting everything from food to household goods,” said a worried local resident.

Another resident M Yasin criticized the government for lack of monitoring in controlling market prices. The anger among Karachi residents is palpable, with many accusing the current government of neglecting the needs of the public while prioritizing business interests.