In Toba Tek Singh, the Gojra Saddar police have taken legal action against 158 individuals who were protesting against the high electricity bills. These protesters blocked the M-4 motorway at two different points between the Gojra and Toba Tek Singh interchanges. It is unfortunate that in another distressing incident, a man named Muhammad Hamza from Dijkot near Faisalabad tragically took his own life after being unable to pay his Rs40,000 electricity bill. According to his family, he was already under immense financial strain, and the exorbitant bill was the final straw for him. The Dijkot police have initiated an investigation to verify the details surrounding this tragic event. It is important to note that the deceased was a father to two young children. This serves as a stark reminder of the impact that financial difficulties can have on individuals and their families.
In Gojra, the police have registered cases against the electricity protesters under sections 341, 506, 290, 291, 148, and 149 of the Pakistan Penal Code. One FIR was filed by ASI Waris Ali Shami, stating that 23 identified and 50 unidentified individuals broke the fence of the motorway near Chak 311-JB and blocked traffic by staging a protest. The police are taking these incidents seriously and will investigate further to ensure that the law is upheld. It’s important for everyone to express their concerns peacefully and within the boundaries of the law.
In Faisalabad man commits suicide over Rs40,000 electricity bill
In Faisalabad, a tragic incident occurred where a man took his own life due to the burden of a Rs40,000 electricity bill. The details of this heartbreaking incident were recorded in another FIR, which named 15 individuals and included 70 unidentified persons. According to ASI Muhammad Nawaz, these protesters blocked the traffic on the M-4 near Chak 434-JB. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with these cases. Meanwhile, a protest against high tariff power bills took place in Kamalia, where citizens blocked traffic on the Chichawatni-Rajana Road at Kalma Chowk. During the protest, bills were set on fire and slogans were raised against the government. These incidents highlight the frustration and concerns of the people regarding the rising costs of electricity.
In Sargodha, a joint rally was organized by the Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the district bar association, and the general public. The rally aimed to protest against the recent hike in power tariffs. SCCI President Sajid Hussain Tarrar demanded that the government reverse the tariff increase, while DBA President Rana Zafar Yasin stated that lawyers would assist customers in filing legal suits against the high tariffs. In addition, the traders threatened to hold a shutdown strike on September 2nd. The protesters expressed their determination to not pay their bills and even set up a force at the neighbourhood level to prevent Fesco officials from disconnecting the electricity supply. They also warned that if the power supply was suspended, they would surround the grid stations.
In Bahawalpur, the Anjuman-i-Tajiran organized a procession against the high electricity bills. The procession started from Trust Colony Chowk and made its way to Khatm-i-Nubuwat Chowk on the Circular Road. As a sign of solidarity, the traders observed a strike and kept their businesses closed. Additionally, another traders’ rally, led by Israr Hussain Shah, took place at the Islamia University Chowk. Alongside the traders, PPP activists also took to the streets at Fowara Chowk to protest against the inflated bills. In response to these protests, the traders have announced a complete strike for today, Wednesday. The collective actions of the traders and activists highlight the growing concerns and frustrations regarding the high electricity bills in Bahawalpur.
In Okara, the traders in Dipalpur and Renala Khurd cities have announced a shutdown strike for tomorrow, Thursday, in protest against the high rates of electricity. The Markazi Anjaman-i-Tajiran, along with leaders of political parties such as Chaudhry Fayyaz Zafar from PML-N, Dr Jahan Zeb from PPP, and Abdul Shakoor Tahir from PTI, led a rally from Venus Chowk to Gole Chowk. This rally aimed to raise awareness about the issue and gather support from the local community. The collective efforts of the traders and political leaders reflect their determination to address the concerns surrounding the high electricity rates in the region.
In Dera Ghazi Khan, traders, along with office-bearers of the Dera Ghazi Khan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and common people, organized a rally to protest against inflated electricity bills. During the demonstration, the participants symbolically burned their electricity bills to express their dissatisfaction with the increased rates. Additionally, another protest was held, led by Chairman Khawja Muhammed Shafiq of the All Pakistan Trader Association. These collective actions demonstrate the frustration and opposition towards the rising electricity costs in the area.
The Jamaat-i-Islami recently organized a press conference and rally to address the issue of inflated electricity bills. During the press conference, party leaders highlighted the concerns of the public and expressed their opposition to the increased rates. Following the conference, a rally was held to further raise awareness and gather support from the community. The collective efforts of the Jamaat-i-Islami reflect their commitment to addressing the issue of inflated electricity bills and advocating for fair pricing for the public.
