Protests against power outages – caused by faults in the supply network – continued in various parts of the city on Sunday as the Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) complaint centres remained closed due to the ongoing tussle between the power utility’s management and employees. Some unidentified people destroyed a 500 kVA PMT in Cantt Bazaar at Drigh Road. The power supply of the area was suspended after the explosion. The residents later blocked Shahrah-e-Faisal to protest the power outage.
The residents of Lines Area also blocked the Shahrah-e-Faisal; and torched tyres on the busy road and hurled stones at vehicles. Similarly, the residents of Jamshed Quarters blocked the Martin Quarters Road. Residents of Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Liaquatabad also staged protests. They blocked the road from Hassan Square to Liaquatabad and set ablaze tyres. Similar protests were also reported in Bhittaiabad, Korangi, Garden, FB Area, North Nazimabad, Chakiwara and Kharadar.
The situation has jeopardised the conditional talks between the KESC management and the workers. The KESC had formed a five-member HR committee, which would meet with the workers’ CBA today (Monday) to resolve the issue of 4,000 workers’ likely lay-off. The power utility has sent notice to the CBA that it would hold talks only if the power supply is restored in all areas by removing cable faults.
CBA Chairman Ayaz Mengal said that the workers have decided not to start working until their demands are accepted.
