Protests against inflated electricity bills go on for second day

Agitated consumers surround IESCO offices in Rawalpindi

ISLAMABAD:

Despite the prime minister’s announcement of relief for power consumers, a large number of people staged protest rallies in different areas of the garrison city on the second day against the inflated electricity bills issued by the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO).

The protesters called the excessive electricity bills unfair and demanded that the government withdraw the increase immediately.

A large number of residents of Dhok Syedan, Burf Khana Chowk, Christian Colony, Tench, 22 No Chungi, Bakra Mandi, Dhamial, Banaras Colony, Misrial Road, Dheri Hasanabad and Talimohri held a protest rally at Kalma Chowk. They shouted slogans. As the number of protesters swelled, the participants marched to the IESCO office at Bakra Mandi Chowk and attempted to lay siege to it.

The second protest rally was held outside the IESCO head office near Murir Chowk. A large number of people including women and children surrounded the entrance of the office and protested against the power supplier and the federal government by waving electricity bills in their hands.

The protesters said that the high inflated electricity bills have made several holes in their pockets and ruined their budgets.

Due to the protests, traffic remained disrupted on various roads including the busiest Murree Road. Considering a large number of protesters, additional police personnel were deployed outside the IESCO office. After a protest of over two hours, the protesters dispersed peacefully.

Earlier, on Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced waiving off fuel charges adjustment (FCA) on electricity bills for millions of consumers. He also lifted the fixed tax imposed on traders in the budget.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 25^th, 2022.