ISLAMABAD: The business community in Karachi has declared its intention to observe a shutter down strike on September 1. This move is in protest against the inflated electricity bills and the increasing inflation.
In a statement, Sharjeel Goplani, the President of the All-City Traders Association, stated that markets throughout Karachi would be closed on Friday, September 1, to protest against the escalated electricity bills and the rising inflation.
Support for this decision came from other trade unions as well, who also confirmed that all markets in Karachi would participate in the shutter-down strike on September 1.
In addition, Rizwan Irfan, the President of the Karachi Electronics Dealers Association, issued a warning that a strike would be initiated if Sharjeel Goplani’s pre-arrest bail were to expire.
Furthermore, the All Pakistan Trade Association announced a nationwide shutter-down strike on August 31 (Thursday) to protest against the inflated bills.
The association demanded that the government formulate policies that are favorable to the people and put an end to providing free electricity units to government officials.
Nationwide Protests
Meanwhile, the inflated power bills have triggered protests across the country, from Karachi to Khyber, and in some areas, the protests have turned violent.
The protesting citizens have been urging the government to discontinue providing free electricity to the privileged and to offer them relief, given that the bills they have received exceed their salaries.
Protest demonstrations were organized in various parts of Karachi. Demonstrators, including children, held banners and placards, expressing their frustration with the government for causing hardships in their lives.
Protest gatherings took place in areas such as Ayesha Manzil, Korangi, Five Star Chowrangi, Yaseenabad, and Labour Square in Karachi. Some enraged participants even set their electricity bills on fire.
Both the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) have declared their intention to hold protest demonstrations against the increased electricity bills.
