Imran Khan backs Jamaat-e-Islami’s electricity bill protest

ISLAMABAD: The founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan publicly endorsed Jamaat-e-Islami (JI’s) sit-in against high electricity bills.

Khan made the announcement from Adiala Jail, where he is currently appearing before an accountability court. The statement was disseminated via his official account on social media platform X.

Read more: JI’s Hafiz Naeem warns of expanding sit-in to Karachi from July 31

Khan criticised the severe economic conditions in Pakistan, especially the impact on ordinary citizens. He cited a personal anecdote, noting that the electricity bill for the cleaner of his jail room had reached Rs40,000.

The sit-in led by JI at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi has now extended into its fifth day. The protest is aimed at demanding reductions in electricity prices, which the party claims have become a significant burden on the public.

Imran Khan also instructed PTI’s leadership and its workers to participate actively in the protest organised by Jamaat-e-Islami.

The protest comes amid a backdrop of rising discontent over economic management and inflation in Pakistan. Jamaat-e-Islami’s sit-in has become a focal point for criticism of the government’s policies on electricity pricing, which protesters argue have exacerbated financial difficulties for many households.

In response, the federal government formed a technical committee to address the issue and has scheduled negotiations to take place soon.

Read more: PTI-Nazriati leader lauds Jamaat-e-Islami, addresses IPP concerns

The technical committee formed by the government is expected to engage in discussions with representatives from JI to seek a “resolution”.