The load shedding in Karachi touched unprecedented heights after the privatisation of KESC and it was a curse for Karachiites, said Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) leaders while addressing various demos against power failure, water crisis and rise in gas prices here on Friday.
The MMA organised various protest demonstrations after Friday prayers in front of city mosques, including Masjid Noman Lasbela Chowk, Ayaz Masjid Defence, Jamia Masjid Baitul Mukarram Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Mubarrak Masjid Gizri, Bilal Masjid, Jamia Masjid Gol Market, Masjid Baitul Mukarram Akhter Colony, Masjid Akhiwan New Karachi, Usmania Masjid Nazimabad, Jamia Masjid Paposh Nagar, Al-Markaz Islami North Nazimabad, Jamia Masjid Nazimabad 1, Masjid Abu Bakar Landhi, Nayyab Masjid Liaquatabad, Masjid Quba FB Area, Masjid Suleman Farsi Orangi, New Memon Masjid Kharadar and others.
Addressing a demo in front of the Masjid Baitul Mukarram Gulshan-e-Iqbal, JI Karachi Amir Dr Merajul Huda Siddiqui charged that the city of lights had been plunged into darkness, while palaces of rulers were fully illuminating. He said that despite tall claims of rulers there was no respite in load shedding and water scarcity for Karachiites.
He said that looters and extortionists were roaming free, while all curbs were for 'Awam and Ulema'. Dr Meraj said that load shedding was strangulating Karachiites, adding that this crisis had been aggravated after the privatisation of KSEC. Criticising the decision of Sindh governor regarding closure of shops after 8:00 pm, he said it had made Karachi a city of darkness.
He said that trade was badly hit and unemployment was rising due to this decision.
He said that the rally scheduled August 6, 2006 would write a new history regarding the peoples' issues.
MPA Nasrullah Shaji said that the administration had failed to solve load-shedding issue. He said that graph of crimes had already been high in the city and closing shops after 8:00 pm would result in more theft incidents. MPA Younus Barai said that a drive had been launched to secularise the country and expunging Islamyat subject was a part of this drive.
MMA leader Abdul Haleem Ghouri said petrol prices had raised from Rs 26 per liter to Rs 60 per liter in just six years. He said that wheat flour was being sold at Rs 18 per kg and sugar at Rs 40 per kg. He charged that rulers wasted Rs 700 million on foreign tours, while special plane was being purchased for them at the cost of Rs 5 billion.
On the occasion, the protestors raised full-throat slogans against price hike, poverty and worsening law and order situation, and demanded withdrawal of recent hike in gas prices.