Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has decided to organize a countrywide strike in protest against the recent hike in power tariffs. The decision was made during a meeting chaired by JI’s party chief, Sirajul Haque, at Mansoorah in Lahore.
Spokesperson Qaiser Shareef stated that committees have been formed to coordinate the strike, which is scheduled to take place on September 2. The strike aims to express public discontentment over the rise in electricity prices. Individuals from various walks of life, including industrialists and traders, have extended their support to the cause.
Peaceful protests against inflation will also be conducted over the next five days, according to Shareef.
Protests Across the Country
The recent surge in power bills has sparked widespread protests across the country, with demonstrations being held from Karachi to Khyber. In Karachi, individuals protested against K-Electric, the city’s sole power supplier. Many citizens reported receiving bills that exceeded their monthly salaries.
Large numbers of people took to the streets in Peshawar, expressing their dissatisfaction with the situation. In Ganj Bazaar and Lahore Square, traders went as far as setting fire to their power bills to symbolize their protest.
Protesters in Rawalpindi gathered at Committee Chowk, demanding the government to repeal the imposed taxes on electricity. Similarly, in Gujranwala, individuals surrounded the Gujranwala Electric Power Company office to protest against high electricity costs.
Protests have also taken place in other cities, including Narowal, Attock, Sargodha, and Haripur, as citizens voice their concerns over increased power bills.