JI leaders booked for protesting against hike in power prices

PESHAWAR: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leaders have been officially charged in Peshawar for their participation in protests against the recent surge in electricity prices, as per a filed First Information Report (FIR).

The FIR outlines several allegations, including interference with government operations, road obstructions, causing damage to government property, and forcefully closing down businesses.

The individuals facing these charges from JI leadership include advocate Khalid Gul, Zahid Shah, Tahir Zareen, Haji Qadeer, and others.

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This development follows a nationwide shutter-down strike organized by thousands of traders on Saturday, which aimed to protest against escalating inflation, excessively high electricity bills, and the recent hikes in petroleum product prices.

The strike was initiated by JI and various traders’ associations and garnered support from the legal community, resulting in courtroom boycotts by lawyers.

Major commercial hubs and business centers in cities such as Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar remained closed during the strike. Abandoned markets were adorned with signs condemning “unjustified increases in electricity bills and taxation.”

Furthermore, JI mobilized a substantial gathering of women who marched against the substantial rises in electricity tariffs, demanding immediate relief and the removal of hefty taxes from the bills. This demonstration, considered the largest in the current wave of power protests, took place on New MA Jinnah Road.