PTI announces protest against rising power tariff

Opposition mock assembly criticises government performance

LAHORE:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has declared its intention to launch a protest movement against the sharp increase in electricity tariffs after Ashura.

The announcement was made during the opposition’s mock assembly session, termed the “Awami Assembly,” held outside the Punjab Assembly on Saturday. The session was presided over by opposition member provincial assembly (MPA) Ijaz Shafi.

During the session, 25 opposition members, who claim victory in the February 8 general elections based on their Form 45s, took an oath of office. Among them were three members from Lahore: Hafiz Zeeshan, Haji Karim, and Nadeem Bara.

The mock assembly passed several resolutions criticising the provincial government's poor performance, skyrocketing inflation, high electricity tariffs, and unjust agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

Additionally, the opposition passed a resolution demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja and other commission members, calling for the return of the stolen mandate according to Form 45.

They also demanded the immediate release of former Prime Minister and PTI Founder Chairman, Imran Khan.

Addressing attendees at the Awami Assembly meeting, Opposition Leader of the Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar claimed his party has secured 192 seats following a Supreme Court decision regarding reserved seats.

"The Form 45 government will be back in a few days as our stolen seats are being returned," he stated, referencing the apex court’s decision,” he said.