On Friday, traders’ associations, alongside the general public, launched extensive protests in Karachi and across the country, opposing the rising electricity bills and heavy taxation. These protests, backed by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), specifically targeted the high rates set by K-Electric. Trade leaders and JI representatives vocally criticized the excessive charges, highlighting the financial strain on ordinary citizens. JI’s Karachi Amir, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, emphasized their fight against the alleged malpractices of K-Electric and warned of worsening conditions if the government remains indifferent.
Significant rallies and demonstrations were held in cities like Rawalpindi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Multan, among others. The discontent reached such an extent that traders filed an FIR against Moonis Alvi, the CEO of K-Electric, accusing the company of misconduct. Amidst these rising tensions, the safety of power company employees has become a prominent concern. To address potential unrest, especially in Rawalpindi, over 500 police personnel have been deployed, and precautionary steps have been taken to safeguard the premises of electricity service providers.