Protests against the rising costs of electricity are underway across the country, with major cities including Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore experiencing intense demonstrations.
In Balakot, the business community has strongly opposed the surge in electricity bills, leading to a widespread shutter-down strike organized by Anjuman Tajran. Additionally, a protest rally was conducted against the surge in taxes and inflation associated with electricity bills.
Mansehra also witnessed a complete shutter-down strike orchestrated by Anjuman Tajran, resulting in the closure of all business hubs within the district, including the city itself. Demonstrators, predominantly traders, marched from the central square to the WAPDA office, staging a dharna (sit-in) outside the premises.
Chhach area in Kamra Cantt saw a protest against exorbitant electricity bills, where participants declared their intention to withhold bill payments until the oppressive taxes are lifted. Slogans condemning the mistreatment of the underprivileged and advocating civil disobedience were chanted.
Rawalpindi experienced a substantial gathering of citizens surrounding the Bakra Mundi ISCO grid station, where electricity bills were set ablaze in protest. The government was heavily criticized through slogans raised by citizens, who expressed their frustration with excessive taxes embedded in the bills. The protesters affirmed their refusal to pay the bills and obstructed traffic flow, causing significant queues of vehicles to form.