- Gujranwala Traffic Police Help Motorbike Riders
- ANP Leads Big Group of People in Peshawar
- People Protesting Are Sad They Need to Borrow Money
In the midst of nationwide protests against soaring electricity bills, Wapda bill distributors are refraining from their usual door-to-door visits out of fear for potential backlash. Reports on Thursday highlight the growing unease among Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) employees in the face of mounting anger from consumers.
In a recent incident in Jhelum, a Wapda employee opted to deliver power bills to a nearby hotel instead of venturing door-to-door. This precautionary step comes as inflation-stricken consumers across the country protest against substantial increases in power tariffs.
Meanwhile, in Gujranwala, the Traffic Police have taken a conciliatory stance, recognizing the mounting public outrage over electricity bills. They have chosen to avoid levying fines on motorcyclists, a move aimed at placating citizens.
Earlier this week, tensions escalated in Karachi’s Timber Market area when a group of irate shopkeepers held K-Electric vehicles and staff hostage. The confrontation ensued after K-Electric attempted to disconnect electricity supply to various shops in the locality.
Sharjeel Goplani, Chairman of the Pakistan Timber Traders Association (PTTA), confirmed the clash, stating that a K-Electric team’s action to cut off power triggered the altercation.
Amidst the backdrop of exasperated consumers grappling with skyrocketing bills and the government citing constraints due to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement, public frustration is intensifying and occasionally erupting into violence.
The Awami National Party (ANP) took the lead by organizing a rally in Peshawar and issuing a warning about a potential “paiya jam” or “wheel jam” strike in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Protesters expressed their distress, with many lamenting the need to secure loans in order to meet the excessive bill payments. In Rajanpur, businessmen resorted to protest by brandishing electricity bills, meters, and even bread as symbols of their economic strain.
Read more: Protests Persist Against Soaring Electricity Bills as Government Revisits Issue
Similar rallies reverberated in several cities, including Gujarat, Bahawalnagar, Mian Chanu, Hafizabad, and Tando Allahyar. Demonstrators vented their frustration by burning electricity bills, all while demanding a rollback of additional taxes and high tariffs.
As the country grapples with the clash between rising utility costs and citizens’ economic challenges, it remains to be seen how authorities will address these concerns and navigate the delicate balance between public sentiment and fiscal responsibilities.
