Karachi, 17 October 2024 — Residents of Essa Nagri, a predominantly Christian neighbourhood in Karachi, have been enduring severe electricity shortages for the past two years, according to Shahzad Bhatti, Secretary General of the Minorities Peoples Alliance Pakistan. This area, home to an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 people, has been deprived of a stable electricity supply, raising concerns about systemic neglect from both the Sindh government and K-Electric.
Bhatti voiced the frustration of the community, particularly highlighting the dissatisfaction within political minority groups. Members of these groups are questioning why the Sindh government and K-Electric continue to treat Essa Nagri like a “stepchild.” Many are concerned that the electricity crisis may be part of a larger effort to push Christians out of the area.
Bhatti pointed to the possible involvement of the builder and land mafia in Karachi, who are allegedly collaborating with K-Electric to displace Christian residents from Essa Nagri. He drew comparisons to Mehran Town, where land belonging to minorities has reportedly been seized by land grabbers, fueling fears that Essa Nagri could face a similar situation.
The community is also growing frustrated with the lack of response from key political figures, particularly the Deputy Speaker of the Sindh Assembly and the Christian MPA from Sindh, who have remained silent on the issue. Bhatti emphasized the need for urgent action from these leaders to address the growing concerns in Essa Nagri.
Yaqoob Sharif Gill, Chairman of the Minorities Peoples Alliance Pakistan, stressed that minorities are being weakened politically, socially, and constitutionally. He urged the government to fulfill its constitutional and legal responsibilities by protecting the rights of minorities and ensuring equal treatment, including access to basic utilities like electricity.
Residents of Essa Nagri are now calling on authorities to take immediate action to restore power to the area and to protect them from potential displacement.
