Traders observe nationwide strike against inflated electricity bills

Traders observe nationwide strike against inflated electricity bills
Source: File

Lahore (Web Desk): The traders' organisations announced a nationwide shutter-down strike on Thursday over the issue of inflated electricity bills.

According to reports, protests are being held against the rising electricity tariff as people set the bills on fire to express their anger.

The All Pakistan Traders Association has called for a nationwide shutter-down strike on August 31 (Thursday) to stage protest against the surging electricity bills.

President  All Pakistan Traders Association Ajmal Baloch said that the rate of taxes imposed on the commercial bills was the highest.

He announced that the traders would keep their businesses closed on Thursday.

The association is urging the government to establish favourable policies for the public and end the allotment of complimentary electricity units to government officials.

In addition, the All Traders Welfare Association of Islamabad and the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Peshawar have also endorsed a complete shutter-down strike aligned with the decision of All Pakistan Traders Association. 

Meanwhile, the business community of Karachi has also planned a shutter-down strike on September 1, as a response to soaring electricity bills and the rising inflation.

Furthermore, Jamaat-e-Islami has also given a call for countrywide strike against inflated electricity bills on Saturday (September 2).

On the other hand, despite all the protests, the government has started preparing for further increase in electricity rates.

According to reports, electricity price is expected to rise by Rs1.58 per unit on account of fuel adjustment for month of July 2023.