Traders protest against hike in power tariffs

LAHORE:

Traders staged protest demonstrations at different points in the metropolis against another hike in electricity tariff following a hike of Rs3.50 per unit.

Traders and shopkeepers of Inchra Bazaar took to the streets on Tuesday against high increase in electricity tariffs and heavy taxation on electricity bills. They shouted slogans against the power utility company and the government.

A trader, Muhammad Khurram said merely a 50-unit electricity bill has surpassed Rs4,000.

The highest rate of inflation has already compromised purchasing power of the citizens which is hurting trading activity across the country.

“In the current circumstances another increase electricity tariffs would push many businesses out of the market. The government should pay little attention to common man woes who was already bearing brunt of unmindful economic decisions of the government,” he added.

Zeeshan Sheikh, a shopkeeper, highlighted that electricity tariffs are already reached at the highest level ever. Pakistan’s business and trade community is not in a position to pay their bills.

Any increase in electricity tariffs or taxation would force many businesses to close down.

“We are paying thousands of rupees every month but still not getting uninterrupted electricity supply.

Power utility company is doing announced and unannounced load shedding in the city cause heavy losses to business and trade community,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 27^th, 2022.