Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Sirajul Haq has announced a countrywide protest movement against inflated electricity bills and the rising cost of living. The JI leader stated that they will organize protest sit-ins at governor houses across the country to address the issues faced by the common people.
Sirajul Haq detailed the planned protests, mentioning specific locations and dates. Scheduled protest demonstrations will take place in Rahim Yar Khan, Layyah, and Muzaffargarh on September 8, 9, and 10. Protesters will hold subsequent sit-ins on September 15 in Faisalabad, and on September 21 and 22 in Rawalpindi and Multan, respectively.
The JI also intends to challenge costly agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in the Supreme Court, with plans to release a white paper on the energy sector.
Sirajul Haq emphasized that their protest movement will adhere to constitutional and legal limits. He urged the government to reduce electricity prices and alleviate the financial burden on the public, rather than increasing costs and limiting free power units.
Furthermore, he called upon authorities to address the issue of power theft and line losses, amounting to approximately 1,000 billion rupees.
Government Proposes Early Markets Closure To Save Electricity
Meanwhile, the federal government has proposed closing markets across the country at sunset to reduce electricity consumption. The government has sent this proposal to all provincial governments, intending to implement it from October 1 to
The Pakistan Democratic Movement government had previously suggested a similar plan but failed to enforce it.
Early markets closure: The government has proposed this to save electricity.
In response, the All-Pakistan Anjuman-i-Tajiran has expressed that timings should be based on a comprehensive consultation with traders.
According to Anjuman’s statement, timings should be set for both summer and winter seasons, once and for all.
Traders have also insisted that electricity be provided at half the regular prices from 8 in the morning to noon, with no load shedding during these hours.
