On Sunday, members of Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) took to the streets to voice their discontent over the soaring electricity tariffs and taxation policies affecting the common people. The rallies were organized at the behest of JI’s central chief, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, who has been vocal about the economic challenges faced by citizens due to these rising costs. During a significant rally in Peshawar, Behrullah, the emir of JI for the region, harshly criticized the ruling elite for their failure to alleviate the financial burden on the public, choosing instead to impose higher taxes while neglecting their own expenditure cuts.
Behrullah’s address pointed out the paradox of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s potential for producing affordable electricity, yet the government continues to purchase power from Independent Power Producers (IPPs), which he claims are profiting without delivering adequate services. He urged the government to reconsider these contracts as a measure to lower electricity prices and relieve financial pressure on households.
In a poignant moment of solidarity, JI workers also conducted funeral prayers in absentia for Hassan Nasrullah, the leader of Hezbollah, reflecting the party’s broader concerns about regional politics and solidarity with groups they perceive as oppressed.
The protest in Lower Dir saw JI members staging a sit-in at Timergara Shaheed Chowk, where hundreds gathered to express their frustrations. They effectively blocked the Timergara Bypass while chanting slogans that criticized both the government and the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO). Local leaders, including Izazul Mulk Afkari and Arshad Zaman, emphasized the dire economic situation that has left many consumers unable to cope with skyrocketing electricity bills. They highlighted the alarming rate of inflation that continues to plague the nation.
As protests spread, JI leaders across various districts, including Charsadda and Mohmand, reiterated their calls for the government to honor agreements made with them regarding the cancellation of contracts with IPPs. They threatened to initiate a civil disobedience movement if there is no immediate action to control the prices of essential utilities.
In Mansehra, participants voiced their growing concerns about the financial hardships faced by families due to increased electricity costs and overall inflation. Dr. Bahadar Shah, the JI district emir, remarked that the central leadership has set deadlines for the government to act, but little progress has been observed. The protestors marched through key areas, raising slogans that demanded immediate relief from the government.
The collective sentiment across these protests reflects a deep-seated frustration with the current economic policies, as citizens call for urgent reforms to ensure fair pricing of utilities and a reduction in the tax burden, hoping for a more equitable solution to their pressing concerns.
