ISLAMABAD, Aug 26: As nationwide protests erupted and hashtags against massive electricity bills started trending on social media, interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar finally called an “emergency meeting” regarding electricity rates on August 27 (Sunday).
The caretaker premier called the meeting in Islamabad on electricity rates and consumers’ bills with directions to the energy ministry and the electricity distribution companies to give a detailed briefing in this regard.
In the meeting, a statement from the PM Office stated, consultations will be held regarding giving maximum relief to consumers regarding electricity bills.
The general public and traders’ associations have initiated large-scale protests against soaring electricity bills and heavy taxes, with demonstrations being held in different cities pushing the government to finally take notice of the issue.
Earlier a protest in Karachi, which was also supported by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), demanded a reduction in the ever-increasing electricity prices and additional taxes imposed through power bills.
Speaking on the occasion, trade leaders and representatives of Jamaat-e-Islami expressed their concerns. “We reject the excessive charges being collected by K-Electric in our electricity bills,” stated a trade leader, saying that JI always takes a stand on the problems of the masses.
Addressing the protesters, JI’s Karachi Amir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, warned that if the government continues to burden the public, the situation could further deteriorate. “Our struggle is against the white-collar mafia in KE,” he affirmed, underscoring the commitment to represent the people’s interests.
In Rawalpindi, a demonstration took place against additional electricity charges, with citizens chanting slogans against Islamabad Electric Supply Company.
Moreover, protests were also staged in Lahore, Attock, Peshawar, Quetta, Taunsa, Hyderabad, Nawabshah, Rahim Yar Khan and Multan against the inflated electricity bills. A large number of people participated in the demonstrations.
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