ISLAMABAD: Following the uproar caused by inflated electricity bills that have deeply affected the already burdened consumers, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has instructed its party members to stage strong protests and represent the “voice of the people”.
In a directive issued to PPP workers on Sunday, the party’s Secretary General, Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari, instructed the workers to organize protests at the city union council and Tehsil levels.
He said, “PPP workers should amplify the people’s concerns and initiate protests against the escalated electricity tariffs,” emphasizing that the excessive electricity bills are a cause of distress for every citizen in the country.
However, the demand for a reduction in electricity tariffs and the removal of additional taxes on electricity bills has led to this call for protest, with demonstrators across the nation warning that they will withhold payment of the bills if their demands are not addressed.
Protests by citizens and traders have taken place in various cities nationwide. Political parties, including the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), have denounced the surge in tariffs and the imposition of extra taxes on power bills.
“peaceful” nationwide protest against inflated electricity bills
Meanwhile, JI Amir Sirajul Haq, during an event commemorating JI’s 82nd Foundation Day at Ichhra on Sunday, announced a “peaceful” nationwide protest to be held on September 2 (Saturday). He urged people to raise their voices against injustice and actively join in the protests. He further mentioned that the party would organize demonstrations in front of the offices of the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) if the government persists with its decision.
Additionally, he said that the present inflation is a direct outcome of flawed economic policies propagated by former administrations of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and the PPP.
According to him, the previous rulers had entered into an agreement with the IMF, leading to detrimental consequences for the public.
