- Citizens Rally Against Escalating Utility Costs and Inflation Across Pakistan.
- Public Sets Electricity Bills Ablaze in Gujar Khan and Azad Kashmir to Oppose Soaring Prices.
- Azad Kashmir’s Prime Minister Halts Utility Tax Increase, as Jamat-e-Islami Plans Extensive Anti-Inflation Protests
In recent days, various regions of Pakistan have witnessed public outrage and protest against the surging electricity tariff and overall escalating cost of living. Citizens in Gujar Khan, a city in the Rawalpindi district, as well as in Azad Kashmir, have taken to the streets to voice their concerns over the increasing financial burden caused by inflation.
The residents of Gujar Khan came together to express their frustration by setting their electricity bills on fire as a symbolic gesture of their opposition to the rising power prices. The protest took place in Bewal Bazar, where both ordinary citizens and local traders united in their disapproval. The demonstrators are calling for the government to retract additional taxes and the recent hike in electricity rates. They have boldly declared their refusal to settle their electricity bills until their demands are met.
Parallelly, the citizens of Azad Kashmir launched a similar movement, burning their utility bills to protest against the skyrocketing cost of living. The wave of demonstrations in Azad Kashmir reflects the wider sentiment shared by Pakistanis who are grappling with unprecedented increases in food and fuel prices. The surge in inflation is compounded by the depreciation of the Pakistani rupee.
In Kotli district of Azad Kashmir, a large-scale protest erupted as demonstrators ignited utility bills worth millions of rupees. The protesters, burdened by the financial strain of inflation, also made their stance known through announcements from local mosques. To amplify their voices, the protesters have declared their intention to stage prolonged sit-ins against the additional taxes incorporated in utility bills.
Amid the mounting tension, the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, Chaudhary Anwarul Haq, intervened by suspending the implementation of the revised utility taxes. A committee has been established to evaluate the situation and provide recommendations to the cabinet within a fortnight. This move aims to address the concerns of the protesting citizens and find a resolution.
The Jamat-e-Islami (JI) political party is gearing up to stage widespread demonstrations across Pakistan, opposing not only the inflation but also the recent surge in electricity prices. The party’s planned protest underscores the widespread discontent among citizens, cutting across various segments of society.
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) approved a substantial increase of Rs5.40 per unit in power tariff, citing quarterly fuel adjustments. This decision, while contributing to the rising electricity costs, has triggered a series of protests throughout the country.