Residents allege water diversion as Qayyumabad faces years-long shortage, blocking key Karachi artery in protest.
Residents of Karachi’s Qayyumabad and adjoining areas faced hours-long inconvenience on Friday as they took to the streets over a prolonged water shortage and suspension of supply, blocking traffic and causing massive congestion in surrounding localities.
Protesters blocked Qayyumabad Chowrangi by parking vehicles and water tankers on the road. They carried sticks and reportedly attacked some people during the protest.
The protest began immediately after Friday prayers, paralyzing traffic towards Defence, Korangi industrial area and Sharea Faisal. Vehicles remained stuck in long queues for several hours.
According to protesters, Qayyumabad has been facing severe water shortage for three years. They said that previously water was supplied only for a short period every two days.
They alleged that the provincial government was diverting water previously allocated to Qayyumabad to Defense and Ibrahim Hyderi, which they claimed was a political district of the ruling party.
To end the protest, Shah Faisal City Deputy Commissioner (AC) Abdul Samee along with police personnel reached Qayyumabad Chowrangi. However, the protesters announced that they would continue their demonstration until water board officials arrived.
AC Samee stated that he was present at the spot to maintain law and order.
After being blocked for almost four hours, the police ended the protest after negotiating with the protesters, after which they peacefully dispersed and the flow of traffic was restored.
