ISLAMABAD: Protests have erupted in several parts of the country against the inflated electricity bills, loadshedding and increased taxes, with traders at the forefront demanding a rollback of the elevated tariff rates.
The simmering discontent over inflated electricity bills and recent tax hikes ignited protests across Pakistan, prominently led by traders and supported by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
In Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Sukkur, Tando Allah Yar, Tulamba, Kasoor, Mailsi, Depalpur, Peshawar, Daska, Hasilpur, Liaquatpur, Haveli Lakha, and Bahawalnagar, traders, spearheaded by the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), gathered at Aabpara Chowk to protest, demanding the government revoke the tariff increases and tax hikes.
Protesters voiced their grievances against the government and threatened to escalate their demonstrations if their demands were not met.
In Lahore, protests erupted in various neighborhoods, including Johar Town and Altaf Colony, with residents and traders blocking roads and condemning the government for prolonged power outages and high electricity rates.
In Multan, the Chamber of Small Traders organized a large-scale protest against the escalated electricity bills and taxes, urging the government to reduce tariffs and withdraw tax hikes.
Traders in Sukkur marched from Sarafa Bazaar to Ghanta Ghar Chowk, advocating for lower electricity tariffs and a reversal of tax increases.
Meanwhile, residents in Tando Allah Yar staged road blockades, protesting vehemently against the government’s policies.
The All-Pakistan Traders Association (APTA) issued a warning to the federal government, setting a deadline of June 30 to abolish additional taxes or face further consequences. Ajmal Baloch, President of APTA, reiterated these demands alongside fellow traders during a press conference in Islamabad, criticizing the government’s handling of electricity billing issues.
