Karachi: K-Electric (KE), the city’s leading electricity provider, reported that its staff were attacked, and some were held hostage during an anti-electricity theft operation on Tuesday.
The protests erupted in various parts of Karachi due to frequent power outages and KE’s ongoing campaign to prevent electricity theft.
Protestors blocked major roads with heavy vehicles, causing severe traffic jams. Roads affected included Sharae Faisal, Chaudhry Khaleeq uz Zaman Road, Korangi Road, Teen Talwar, Khayaban-e-Ittehad, Civic Center, Sohrab Goth, Korangi Expressway, and the Lyari Expressway.
After the protests ended, traffic in areas like Sunset Boulevard and Hino Chowrangi took hours to return to normal.
KE spokesperson Imran Rana, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stated that the operation took place in Gizri, Punjab Colony, and nearby areas. He said the protests were organized by “power thieves” trying to restore electricity illegally.
Rana also reported that KE staff were attacked and held at gunpoint during the protests. KE urged law enforcement to act against those involved in electricity theft and threats against their employees.
“KE is committed to strong action against electricity theft across the city,” the spokesperson said.
