Protests erupt in Pakistan over 12 hrs long power cuts:People detest against severe living conditions in Karachi; water supply also affected

Protests broke out in several parts of Karachi, Pakistan, on Saturday over prolonged power outages. Residents blocked roads for several hours, demanding the immediate restoration of electricity. Traffic came to a standstill in several parts of the city, leaving thousands of people stranded. According to Dawn, residents said they were facing power cuts lasting 12 hours or more every day. Residents also complained that power cuts were often imposed without prior notice. Water-pumping stations also stop operating during outages, disrupting water supplies and adding to public anger. Clashes between power company staff and protesters in Karachi Traders in Karachi clashed with employees of power company K-Electric (KE) over irregular electricity supply, saying prolonged outages were causing major business losses. The protests and roadblocks also affected residents. One woman said an ambulance carrying her fever-stricken mother to a clinic was stuck in traffic for nearly two hours. A resident said that despite paying bills on time, his area faced up to 12 hours of power cuts. K-Electric said electricity theft and unpaid bills remained major problems despite repeated anti-theft drives, with billions in dues still outstanding. Rain causes power outages in Islamabad and Rawalpindi Heavy rain on Saturday night disrupted the electricity supply in several parts of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Several roads and underpasses were also flooded. In Rawalpindi, the water level of Nullah Lai rose to 19 feet, while severe waterlogging left roads in several areas resembling ponds. Why is Karachi facing power cuts? Technical faults: Karachi’s electricity supply is mainly handled by K-Electric. Power shortages, along with faults in its transmission and distribution network, can cause outages beyond scheduled load-shedding. Fuel supply issues: Many power plants in Pakistan rely on gas and regasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG). Disruptions in fuel supply can affect electricity generation. Demand-supply gap: When power generation cannot meet demand, electricity companies use load-shedding to manage the shortfall. High summer demand: Increased use of air conditioners, fans and other cooling appliances puts heavy pressure on the grid, especially during peak hours, leading to power cuts. Power theft and poor bill recovery: Some areas already face longer load-shedding due to electricity theft and low bill collection. Technical faults can further extend outages.