Rights activists decry excessive loadshedding in low-income areas of Karachi

Rights activists and civil society members in Karachi have criticized the city's extended and excessive loadshedding, which is taking a severe toll on low-income neighborhoods. At a press conference held at the Karachi Press Club, speakers highlighted the impact on children's education, daily hygiene practices, and overall well-being. The prolonged outages have made tasks such as cooking, washing, and personal hygiene increasingly challenging.

Protesters from various areas, including Lyari, old city regions, Baldia, Orangi, Korangi, SITE, and Sohrab Goth, demanded an end to the excessive loadshedding. They reported 16 to 24 hours of outages in North Karachi, Nazimabad, and parts of Gulistan-i-Jauhar, with K-Electric's website indicating up to 12 hours of daily blackouts for more than 615 feeders, indicating that roughly one-third of the city's feeders were affected.

Qazi Khizer of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan emphasized the mental stress caused by prolonged power cuts, which have contributed to the already difficult living conditions faced by residents. He stressed that electricity is a necessity, not a luxury. Abbas Haider of Piler stated that the loadshedding in industrial areas severely impacts informal workers, causing exhaustion and increasing workplace accidents.

Journalists questioned the privatization of K-Electric, citing persistent reliability issues despite claims of improvements. Lyari-based activist Najma Maheshwari pointed out that women in Lyari are disproportionately affected due to the lack of water and financial stress. Zeenia Shaukat of The Knowledge Forum urged a shift in the public debate from electricity theft to accountability for the electricity system and customer protection.