ISLAMABAD: Traders have decided to hold massive protests in Rawalpindi, Islamabad as well as other cities on Tuesday before going for complete shutterdown strike on Thursday against inflated power bills and increase in rates of petroleum products.

Addressing a press conference at the National Press Club, All Pakistan Anjuman-i-Tajran President Ajmal Baloch said the recent hike in electricity bills was totally unacceptable by traders and public.

Anjuman-i-Tajran Punjab President Shahid Ghafoor Paracha and a number of other traders’ leaders from the twin cities were also present.

Mr Baloch said traders were the backbone of the country’s economy but at present this backbone was being broken. He urged the interim government to withdraw the recent increase in prices or else the traders would be forced to take to the streets.

The participants of the press conference warned the government that if the increase in electricity tariff was not withdrawn, they would stage protests across the country on Tuesday before going for a complete strike on Thursday.

They also said the interim government comprised of well-off people, therefore it should cut down on expenditure, adding that the ministers and advisers should not use government-owned vehicles and pay for their petrol.

The traders’ representatives said the recent increase in the cost of electricity and petroleum products was unprecedented and requested Army Chief Gen Asim Munir to look into the issue.

They welcomed the news that the government would be withdrawing free electricity facility extended to Wapda officers, but said such facilities including free fuel and cars should also be taken back from other government officials.

The country has been facing massive protests throughout the country following the recent increase in electricity bills and prices of petroleum products.

Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2023