Pakistan
Protests against soaring electricity bills sweep across country fourth Consecutive Day
Demonstrators thronged the streets in various localities of Lahore, vehemently opposing the surge in electricity bills.
Lahore: Amidst mounting public frustration over exorbitant electricity bills, protests entered their fourth day, spanning multiple cities in the country on Monday.
An emergency gathering convened at the Prime Minister's residence in Islamabad on Sunday yielded no resolution.
Lahore
Demonstrators thronged the streets in various localities of Lahore, vehemently opposing the surge in electricity bills. Outraged protesters voiced their inability to provide for their families if burdened by these escalated charges. A threat to stage a sit-in at the Wapda House unless taxes were retracted loomed large.
In a simultaneous display of dissent, both government employees and business owners voiced their grievances against the inflated bills. Their demand centered on the withdrawal of the privilege of complimentary electricity for officers.
The Wasa Phool Union members similarly voiced their discontent within office premises, denouncing the augmentation of electricity bills.
Conversely, traders on Hall Road expressed their displeasure at the substantial bill hikes. Babar Mahmood Butt, President of Anjuman-i-Tajran, warned of potential street protests unless the bill increase was rescinded.
Rawalpindi
Citizens numbering in the hundreds converged upon the Bakra Mandi grid station, setting ablaze their electricity bills while chanting anti-government slogans. Accusations were leveled at the administration for incessantly raising taxes, which protesters claimed was tantamount to draining their resources. A stern ultimatum was issued to Iesco officials, barring them from disconnecting power supplies.
Mandra
Mandra witnessed a surge of individuals, including women and children, converging on GT Road to protest exorbitant electricity bills. The throng aired their grievances through slogans directed at the government, while road blockades ensued, causing traffic congestion along Mandra-Chakwal Road.
Balakot
Both the business community and general populace decried the surge in electricity bills, with the Anjuman-i-Tajran closing shop shutters in protest. A rally condemning the heightened taxes and inflated bills took center stage.
Mansehra
A comprehensive shutdown orchestrated by the Anjuman-i-Tajran in Mansehra forced the closure of all business establishments in the district. Protesters embarked on a citywide rally before converging at the Wapda office, where a sit-in transpired.
Reports of similar protests trickled in from Kamra Cantt, Charsadda, Swabi, and Mardan.
Multan
Masses rallied in Multan, echoing the nationwide sentiment against inflated electricity bills. Dismayed participants vociferously demanded the immediate removal of supplementary taxes from these bills. Allegations were cast against the government for enjoying luxury at the expense of taxing the impoverished populace.
Faisalabad
Public discontent in Faisalabad manifested in protests against escalated electricity bills. A chorus of slogans condemning both the government and Wapda reverberated, accompanied by demands for tax withdrawals.
Consequently, police and Elite forces were deployed in numerous sectors of the city to safeguard Fesco facilities and grid stations.
Bahawalpur
Protest hubs sprung up in Bahawalpur at Fawara Chowk, Lorry Adda, Multan Road, and various other sites. Demonstrators rallied against Wapda, rallying for the annulment of taxes embedded within the bills. Participants decried the repercussions of these mounting charges, claiming their families would bear the brunt of this financial burden.
Sheikhupura
Sheikhupura's populace persisted in their protests against the hike in electricity rates. The Anjuman-i-Tajran orchestrated a rally along Sargodha Road, erecting a camp outside the Wapda complex and sealing its entrance. Chants against the government and Wapda resonated as electricity bills were set ablaze.
Khushab
The unrest against inflated electricity bills spilled into Khushab and Joharabad. The Anjuman-i-Tajran initiated a partial strike, urging the retraction of additional taxes and an adjustment to existing ones on electricity bills. Traders aligned with the cause, participating in rallies against the perceived onerous taxation. Citizens also resorted to symbolic acts, setting fire to their electricity bills.