KARACHI: The Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) staged protest demonstrations all across the city against K-Electric on Friday.

Nipa, Hasan Square, Five Star Roundabout, Water Pump, Tower and Teen Talwar were among the 50 places where protests were held against frequent and prolonged power outages and high prices of electricity.

Holding placards and banners, workers of the JI chanted slogans against the power utility and demanded action from the government.

“The power tariff should be reduced as the KE has cheated 25 million residents of Karachi and unfortunately the regulatory body has not played its due part,” said JI’s Karachi chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman while addressing a demonstration at Lasbela Chowk.

“It is sad to note that the political parties who claim to be representatives of Karachi worked hand in glove with the KE.

“Apart from severe weather, it was the incompetence of KE that some 5,000 died in 2015,” he claimed.

“The situation has raised several questions on the roles of Nepra (National Electric Power Regulatory Authority) and federal and provincial governments,” he added while welcoming the Nepra move to probe KE’s affairs.

Future protests

“The authorities concerned should resolve the power crisis within three days otherwise we reserve the right to hold more protests.

“We will be staging a sit-in outside the CM House next week and may give a call for strike across the city on April 27,” Mr Rehman said.

Meanwhile, the Majlis-i-Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM) also took to the streets and staged protest demonstrations against KE.

The demonstration organised in Rizvia Society was attended by a large number of people and senior leaders of the party’s Karachi division.

“If KE management and Sindh government do not pay heed to the demands of Karachiites, we will stage a sit-in outside the provincial assembly in the next phase,” said Allama Mubashir Hasan while addressing the protesters.

“Power failures have made preparation for exams almost impossible for students. The KE should be held responsible for it,” he added.

Published in Dawn, April 14th, 2018