An FIR was filed in Peshawar on Sunday against leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) for their protest against the recent surge in electricity prices. The charges mentioned in the FIR encompass obstructing government operations, initiating road blockades, damaging government property, and mandating shop closures. Several JI leaders, including Khalid Gul and Zahid Shah, are named in the case.
This legal action followed a nationwide strike orchestrated by JI and various traders’ associations on the preceding day, protesting against rampant inflation and the uptick in petroleum product prices. The strike, which witnessed significant support from the legal fraternity, led to the closure of business centres and commercial hubs in various cities, including Karachi and Lahore. Protesters vehemently opposed the “excessive increase in electricity bills and taxes”.
Earlier on Friday, the JI chief declared a countrywide strike in Lahore, criticizing the government’s “draconian” policies regarding electricity pricing. The party organized a massive women’s march on New MA Jinnah Road, calling for immediate relief and the cancellation of hefty taxes levied on electricity bills, marking a significant event in the ongoing power protests.
