Heavy monsoon rains trigger widespread blackouts, raising safety concerns in Karachi. Power outages Karachi struck on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, across Karachi, Pakistan, as heavy monsoon rains caused over 300 K-Electric feeders to trip, leaving residents in darkness and disrupting daily life in the economic hub.
The Karachi Pakistan power crisis, exemplified by power outages Karachi 2025, underscores the region’s vulnerability to climate-driven infrastructure failures. As Pakistan’s economic hub, Karachi’s disruptions affect South Asia’s trade and commerce, impacting neighbouring countries reliant on its port and markets.
Power Outages Karachi 2025: The Crisis Unfolds
On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, starting at 8:00 AM PKT, power outages Karachi 2025 swept through areas like Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Surjani Town, and Malir, triggered by heavy monsoon rains. According to K-Electric, over 300 of its 2,100 feeders tripped due to waterlogged infrastructure, though 1,800 remained operational. The Karachi Pakistan power crisis intensified as seven people died in rain-related incidents, including electrocutions. According to Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed, a 30-year-old man, Gulban, died from an electric shock in New Karachi’s Sector 11-J on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 2:00 PM PKT. The outages disrupted court proceedings, banking, and industrial operations, with losses estimated at PKR 14-15 billion.
According to Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, on Monday, August 18, 2025, at 3:00 PM PKT, all local bodies and traffic police were placed on high alert to manage the Karachi Pakistan power crisis. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) recorded 35.8mm of rain in Saadi Town by 8:00 AM on August 19, 2025, with forecasts of continued showers until Thursday, August 22, 2025. According to Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, a rain emergency was declared at 9:00 AM PKT, cancelling leaves for municipal services to address flooding and power outages Karachi 2025.
Karachi Pakistan Power Crisis: Impacts and Response
The Karachi Pakistan power crisis caused severe disruptions, with major roads like Sharea Faisal and National Highway waterlogged, slowing traffic to a crawl. According to Karachi Traffic Police, on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 8:11 AM PKT, commuters were urged to avoid sudden braking and maintain slow speeds due to slippery roads. The power outages Karachi 2025 also led to internet disruptions, with connectivity dropping to 20% nationwide. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM PKT, technical teams were addressing faults at Karachi’s Clifton submarine cable landing station.
The Karachi Pakistan power crisis hit businesses hard, with over 1,000 shops and godowns damaged, per All City Tajir Ittehad’s Sharjeel Gopalani on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Industrial areas faced 36-hour outages, halting production. According to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM PKT, the government was urged to defer electricity bill payments and offer compensation.
Climate and Infrastructure Challenges
The power outages Karachi 2025 highlight the city’s fragile infrastructure, exacerbated by climate change. According to climate expert Fatima Yamin, on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 2:00 PM PKT, unchecked urbanisation and inadequate drainage worsened the Karachi Pakistan power crisis. The PMD warned of urban flooding risks in low-lying areas like Gulshan-e-Hadeed until September 11, 2025. According to Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon, on Thursday, August 22, 2025, at 12:00 PM PKT, drainage efforts cleared key roads, but power restoration lagged in areas like Orangi and Korangi.
South Asia’s economic stability depends on Karachi, and the power outages Karachi 2025 disrupt port operations, affecting trade routes for Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The Karachi Pakistan power crisis also strains Pakistan’s energy sector, with K-Electric’s reliance on an ageing grid drawing criticism.
Background
Karachi’s power outages are a recurring issue, with past breakdowns in 2004, 2019, and 2023 linked to K-Electric’s underinvestment, per Nepra’s 2018 report. Monsoon rains, vital for water supply from June to September, often trigger outages due to poor drainage and outdated electrical systems. The Karachi Pakistan power crisis reflects broader regional challenges, with Pakistan’s 2022 floods highlighting the need for climate-resilient infrastructure.
What’s Next for Power Outages Karachi 2025
The power outages Karachi 2025 may persist with forecasted rains until September 11, 2025, challenging K-Electric’s restoration efforts. The Karachi Pakistan power crisis demands long-term investments in drainage and grid upgrades to prevent future disruptions and ensure regional economic stability.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, September 10th, 2025
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