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.

The demonstrators blocked Qayyumabad Chowrangi by parking vehicles and water tankers on the road. They were carrying sticks and reportedly assaulted some people during the protest.

The protest began immediately after Friday prayers, bringing traffic heading towards Defence, Korangi Industrial Area, and Sharea Faisal to a standstill. Vehicles remained stuck in long queues for several hours.

According to the protesters, Qayyumabad has been facing a severe water shortage for the past three years. They said water was previously supplied only for a short period every other day.

They alleged that water earlier allocated to Qayyumabad was now being diverted by the provincial government to Defence and Ibrahim Hyderi, which they claimed was a political constituency of the ruling party.

To end the protest, Shah Faisal Town Assistant Commissioner (AC) Abdul Samee, along with police personnel, arrived at Qayyumabad Chowrangi. However, the protesters announced that they would continue their demonstration until officials from the water board arrived.

AC Samee stated that he was present at the site to maintain law and order.

After remaining blocked for nearly four hours, police ended the protest following negotiations with the demonstrators, after which they dispersed peacefully, and traffic flow was restored.