Pakistan
PPP announces countrywide protests against inflated electricity bills
Nayyar Bukhari, the party’s secretary general, expresses concerns over burden imposed by inflated electricity bills on the citizens.
Karachi: The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) on Sunday announced widespread protests against the escalating electricity bills, as disclosed.
Nayyar Bukhari, the Secretary General of PPP, expressed concern over the burden imposed by inflated electricity bills on citizens. He further revealed the party's plan to orchestrate protests at various levels including city, union council (UC), and tehsil across the nation.
PPP workers have been directed by Bukhari to actively participate in staging these protests throughout the country.
The movement against surging electricity bills is rapidly gaining momentum, with people taking to the streets and even resorting to burning bills in symbolic protest. The outcry against exorbitant power bills has triggered demonstrations from Karachi to Khyber, with some protests escalating into violence.
Earlier in the day, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) also declared its intention to hold a nationwide strike on September 2 against the surge in electricity prices. The move comes as a response to the growing public dissatisfaction with the cost of electricity.
According to a statement by JI spokesperson Qaiser Shareef, committees have been established to coordinate the countrywide strike on September 2, aimed at opposing the rise in electricity rates. Sirajul Haque, the leader of JI, is set to engage with trade bodies in discussions, and support from various sectors of society is anticipated for the strike.
Protests have already erupted in several cities, with citizens voicing their discontent over excessively high electricity bills. In Karachi, people protested against the bills issued by K-Electric, the city's primary power supplier, claiming the bills exceed their monthly incomes.
Similarly, citizens in Peshawar, Gujranwala, and other cities have organized protests, demanding more reasonable electricity charges and highlighting their grievances against imposed taxes.
The nationwide movement reflects a widespread public sentiment against the rising cost of electricity, prompting political parties and citizens alike to demand more affordable and just billing practices.