KARACHI: The road protest on Manghopir road caused a major traffic jam after residents demonstrated against prolonged electricity outages. Police said angry protesters threw stones during the demonstration, injuring three officers.
The injured officers include Head Constable Saad-ur-Rehman, Constables Ghulam Rasool and Shahbaz Ali. Rescue teams shifted them to a hospital for first aid.
Manghopir protest blocks traffic
The demonstration disrupted traffic movement on Manghopir Road and nearby routes. Commuters faced long delays, while residents reported serious difficulties because of the road closure.
The Karachi load shedding protest forms part of a growing series of demonstrations across the city. Citizens in several areas have protested against shortages of electricity and water.
لاوارث کراچی میں احتجاج کی انوکھی منطق
منگھوپیر بجلی کی لوڈ شیڈنگ کے ستائے شہریوں نے نیا ناظم آباد کے لال گیٹ پر احتجاج کرتے ہوئے جلاؤ گھیراو کیا دو موٹرسائیکلوں کو آگ لگا دی املاک کو نقصان پہنچایا
پولیس کے پہنچنے پر پتھراؤ تین پولیس اہلکار بھی زخمی
جبکہ دوسری جانب دن میں بھی… pic.twitter.com/uokmCrrxVN— Shahid Hussain (@ShahidHussainJM) August 24, 2026
Police officials said they are registering a case against protesters involved in stone-pelting. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage to identify those responsible. Police also said they would arrest the suspects and take strict legal action.
Observers say the incident reflects growing public frustration over power outages in Karachi. Similar protests have affected daily travel and created pressure on authorities to address supply problems.
K-Electric responds to Manghopir protest
K-Electric said some feeders in Manghopir have recorded line losses of more than 80%. The company attributed the losses to widespread electricity theft, illegal connections, locally known as “kunda” connections, and unpaid bills.
According to K-Electric, the load-shedding duration depends on theft and loss levels in each area. The company urged Manghopir residents to pay their electricity bills on time.
K-Electric said its policy allows extended and announced outages in areas where line losses reach 70% to 80%. However, the company acknowledged that honest, bill-paying consumers in nearby areas also suffer from the high losses.
Police investigation continues
The protest has renewed concerns about public safety, traffic disruption and Karachi’s power crisis. Authorities now face pressure to restore normal traffic and prevent further clashes.
Police continue to investigate the case, while K-Electric has defended its outage policy. The situation highlights the need for a solution that protects residents, commuters and law enforcement officers.
