Protests and demonstrations are taking place in various cities across the country in response to the high costs of electricity. The Jamaat-e-Islami party has announced a nationwide strike for Saturday, September 2.
They also plan to take the issue of steep electricity bills to the Supreme Court. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has bluntly stated that the electricity bills must be paid, dismissing any hopes of relief.
In Punjab, protests have erupted in different cities:
- In Lahore, more than 200 individuals, both men and women, blocked the canal road near Harbanspora bridge, expressing their grievances against electricity bills. The Chief Traffic Officer of Lahore instructed officials to provide alternative routes.
- In Gujjar Khan, a demonstration was held on GT Road, where protesters held banners and placards. They demanded the withdrawal of electricity bill increases and high taxes imposed on these bills. The protesters disrupted traffic on GT Road, causing inconvenience to passengers.
- Okara also saw protests, with the President of Anjuman Tajran Okara calling for the immediate withdrawal of the electricity bill increase.
- Murree is experiencing a complete shutdown strike against the steep rise in electricity bills and soaring inflation, organized by the Central Anjuman Tajran Murree. Transporters have joined the strike in solidarity.
- Vihari, Chishtian, and Multan are also witnessing strikes and protests against the increase in electricity bills and inflation, organized by Anjuman Tajran.
- In Haveli Lakha, there is a shutter down strike under the direction of Central Anjuman Tajran. Similarly, in Dera Ghazi Khan, markets are closed due to a strike called by All Pakistan Anjuman Tajran.
- In Bahawalnagar, school children protested against the substantial increase in electricity bills, and a shutter-down strike is ongoing against the increase in electricity bills by All Pakistan Anjuman Tajran.
- Borewala saw protests against increased electricity prices and taxes. Protesters even burned electricity bills.
- Fort Abbas is experiencing a complete shutter down strike due to the call of All Pakistan Anjuman Tajran.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:
- The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council has initiated a strike against inflation, leading to a boycott of court proceedings.
- A public protest was held in Swabi against increased electricity prices and illegal taxes, resulting in the closure of Jhangira Road.
In Azad Kashmir:
- Students in Kotli district protested against expensive electricity and taxes, closing Colleges Road Meerah.
- A complete shutter down and wheel jam strike is observed across Azad Kashmir, including Muzaffarabad.