JI launches nationwide protests against inflation, load-shedding

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) demands action against rising electricity costs and load-shedding with party chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman announcing the launch of a national resistance movement to fight for public rights, protesting against high electricity bills and extended load-shedding, and "anti-public" budget.

Rehman highlighted that inflated electricity bills have made life miserable for the public and condemned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for making false promises about ending load-shedding.

He urged the nation not to lose hope and to join the party in liberating themselves from the oppressive elite. He criticised the imposition of Section 144 in Punjab, stating it cannot suppress the voice for justice.

Additionally, Rehman criticised the political theatrics of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Pakistan People's Party (PPP), and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) regarding the budget, claiming the public sees through their pretence.

Meanwhile, a protest was held by Jamaat-e-Islami in PP-169 constituency against high electricity prices, increased bills, and load-shedding.

Demonstrators carried hand fans in protest and chanted slogans against the government. Jamaat-e-Islami South Lahore deputy chief Ahmad Salman Baloch, addressing the protest, accused the government of adding Rs 2800 billion to electricity bills for unused power and treating Independent Power Producers (IPPs) favourably.

Baloch urged the public not to be swayed by the deceptive promises of the ruling parties, pointing out that the Prime Minister had failed to address load-shedding issues during his tenure as Punjab Chief Minister.

The protest also saw participation from Hafiz Ahmed Umair, Hafiz Rizwan, Farrukh Islam Chaudhry, and Ishaq Gujjar. Baloch affirmed that Jamaat-e-Islami, under Hafiz Naeem’s leadership, would continue to advocate for the public at every corner.

Read K-P CM Gandapur storms grid station, restores electricity in DI Khan

Similarly in Sindh, frustrated by the prolonged non-supply of electricity and water, citizens of Karachi also took to the streets in protest.

Karachi faced an intense night not just from the sweltering heat, but also due to a worsening electricity crisis that left most parts of the city in darkness.

In Buffer Zone and New Karachi's Godhra Chowk, protestors halted traffic to voice their grievances. They staged sit-ins on roads leading to Sohrab Goth, Namak Bank, and Shafiq Mor, condemning authorities and demanding immediate action to restore power and water services.

Similar scenes unfolded near Godhra Chowk, where residents affected by the electricity and water shortages brought traffic to a standstill in protest.

Traffic jams ensued, inconveniencing commuters as roads were blocked with tires and garbage set on fire by protestors in Gharibabad and other sectors.

Despite police intervention to calm the situation, the electricity supply remained disrupted throughout the night.

The crisis has led to demonstrations across various neighbourhoods including Maripur, Lyari, and Malir, highlighting widespread discontent.

Despite sporadic road blockades and fiery protests, the underlying issues persist, exacerbating public frustration.