Protests erupted in Pakistan over the significant increase in electricity bills, leading to a major road into the capital being shut down by around 3,000 supporters of an Islamist party. The demonstrators, demanding the withdrawal of taxes on electricity to counter price hikes, have been staging a sit-in despite heavy monsoon rains. They have been occupying a road in Rawalpindi since Friday, with police preventing them from advancing towards Islamabad.
The protesters, waving flags of the Jamaat-e-Islami party, have been vocal about their discontent, chanting slogans against the surge in electricity bills. The government has engaged with protest leaders but has not shown any inclination to meet their demands.
The recent fiscal year saw a 26% increase in power prices, followed by an additional 20% hike on July 13. These increments were deemed necessary to comply with conditions set by the International Monetary Fund for a loan deal. The imposition of various taxes on top of the base price has resulted in bills more than doubling for some citizens.
Many Pakistanis have expressed their struggles with the escalating bills. Asma Humayon, a school teacher in Lahore, highlighted the burden on her finances, with her electricity bill jumping from 10,000 rupees in May to 22,000 rupees in the current month. Others, like Sahiba Bibi and Umar Draz, have shared their financial hardships, with some contemplating selling assets to cover the bills.
Economists have pointed out various factors contributing to the costly power situation, including agreements made in the 1990s to purchase power from private companies at high rates. Suggestions have been made to explore alternative energy sources like solar power to alleviate the financial strain on consumers.
Despite the challenges, a growing number of Pakistanis have turned to solar panels in recent years to mitigate high electricity costs and frequent power outages. However, the affordability of such systems remains a concern for many.
The ongoing protests and public outcry underscore the urgent need for sustainable solutions to address the issue of surging power bills in Pakistan.
