Nationwide demonstrations are ongoing against steep electricity bills and unwarranted taxes. Simultaneously, the country’s business community has declared their intention to protest against the high bills and initiate a business shutdown.
President Saqib Rafiq and other officials from the Chamber of Commerce and Industries held a press conference in Rawalpindi, attended by numerous business leaders. They expressed concern about recent government actions, citing a recent Rs 4.5 increase in electricity prices. They highlighted the contradiction of the government urging export growth while implementing such measures. With office bills reaching Rs 21 lakh, they demanded immediate control over petrol and electricity prices, suggesting solar solutions and alternative tax collection methods.
Sohail Altaf, a prominent business figure, lamented the deteriorating law and order situation due to inflation. He criticized the government’s actions amidst widespread protests, where even meter readers have faced aggression. Small and large businesses are struggling, facing bills multiplied by 25 or a 50% increase. Altaf questioned why the public is burdened when entities receiving free resources aren’t affected. He emphasized that the government should share in the sacrifices it asks of the business community and called for a protest against the government’s actions.
Shahid Ghafoor Pracha, another business leader, emphasized the worsening crisis and the lack of empathy. He questioned whether the government intends to subject people to distress, particularly the economically disadvantaged. Running households has become a challenge for many in the business community. Pracha appealed to the Pakistan Army to address these issues and highlighted the mental toll of the current economic conditions.
The Rawalpindi Chamber and business leaders announced a protest rally with a major meeting at Kachhari Chowk. Anjuman Tajran Balakot also rejected electricity bill hikes, announcing a non-payment protest and shutdown strike. PESCO has directed officers to negotiate bill payments due to public protests, which have also led to confrontations with utility company employees.
These protests span various cities, including Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Quetta, Peshawar, Bagh, and Hyderabad. Citizens and businesses are rejecting bills, burning them in protest, and announcing non-payment. Business owners have likewise declared closures in solidarity.
