Nationwide protests erupt against soaring inflation and hefty utility costs

ISLAMABAD, Sep 02 (DNA): The Jamaat-e-Islami, traders and lawyers
observed a countrywide strike on Saturday to register protests against
soaring electricity and fuel prices.

On the appeal of traders’ organizations, all markets remained closed
throughout. However, traders observed a partial strike in Lahore,
Faisalabad, Sargodha, Sialkot and Okara.

Traders observed a complete shutdown in Hyderabad and Sukkur. A complete
shutter down strike was observed in Khyber Paktunkhwa.

The recent hike in electricity bills further frustrated the consumers
and traders who are already, heavily burdened by the soaring inflation
in the country.

The strike was called by Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Sirajul Haq and it was
largely endorsed by trade and business bodies, market associations,
lawyers associations and transporters  during which small and large
commercial shops and businesses remained closed today.

Demonstrators are demanding immediate government action to provide
relief in electricity bills and to rollback tax hikes.

They also demanded that the government should withdraw the free units
being given to government officers. They threatened to stage a sit-in
outside Governor’s House if their demands were not fulfilled.

In Lahore, business groups, industrialists, and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI)
organised a widespread shutter down strike and protest against surging
electricity and fuel prices. Demonstrators marched through the main
market in Gulberg, calling on the government to promptly reduce
electricity rates and curb theft, conduct forensic audits of Independent
Power Producers (IPPs), and eliminate electricity line losses and
subsidies.

Addressing the protest at The Mall Lahore, Amir Jamaat-e-Islami, Sirajul
Haq, voiced his rejection of any violence regarding electricity bills.
He questioned the Rs 18,000 tax on a Rs 40,000 bill and asked who had
authorized the caretaker government to escalate inflation.

The Punjab Bar Council also announced a strike against inflation with
lawyers also absent from courts.

The lawyers of the district bar in Faisalabad announced a strike, too,
with protests in the city recorded by citizens at Canal Road and Digikot
demanding abolishing taxes by burning tires and blocking the road for
traffic.

In Karachi, the country’s commercial hub, a complete shutdown was
observed in response to Jamaat-e-Islami’s call to protest against
inflation and skyrocketing electricity bills. Major business centers,
including Bolton, Saddar Cooperative Market, Zainab Market, Haideri, and
Jama Cloth Market, remained closed.

Amir JI Karachi, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, emphasized that their movement
aims not only for today’s strike but also for reducing electricity
bills. He warned the government of impending consequences if they
persist with their policies.

Mian Aslam, the central deputy Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami, linked street
crime to inflation, stating that when families lack basic necessities,
crime rates escalate. He asserted that the government must lower prices
of electricity, petrol, diesel, sugar, and essential commodities,
addressing the demand of the 240 million people.

Transgenders in Rawalpindi surrounded the Islamabad Electric Supply
Company (IESCO) office, holding banners and placards, and demanding the
government to immediately roll back the hike in petrol and electricity
prices.

Kashif Chaudhary, President of the Central Organization of Traders,
declared that 10 million shops across the country were closed in protest
against inflation. He gave the government a 72-hour ultimatum to
reconsider their decision, threatening stronger protests if they do not.

Leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami and traders expressed their willingness to
engage in dialogue with the government to address these pressing issues.

Similarly, in Peshawar, the JI and businessmen joined forces in a
shutterdown strike against rising electricity bills. Business centers
across the city, including Cantt, Hashtnagri, Khyber Bazar, and Ashraf
Road, remained closed. Protesters rallied and burned tires on GT Road
while vehemently protesting against the government’s decisions.

Demonstrators in Faisalabad took to the Samundari road to express their
discontent, with some resorting to vandalism and violence against
commuters. They demanded the withdrawal of additional taxes on
electricity, gas, and petroleum products. If their demands are not met,
a strike and dharna (sit-in) are planned in Islamabad on September 17.