Traders across the country are on the streets against electricity bills, full protest and shutdown announcements

People’s protest against heavy electricity bills and unnecessary taxes is going on across the country, while the businessmen of the country have also announced to continue protesting against the heavy bills and shutter down.

Chamber of Commerce and Industries President Saqib Rafiq and other officials held a press conference in Rawalpindi, in which other business leaders also participated in a large number against the energy crisis and high bills.

Speaking at the press conference, Saqib Rafiq said that the business community is worried about the recent steps taken by the government. During our press conference, the government has increased electricity by Rs 4 and a half. The government is asking to increase exports, how will it happen in such circumstances? Our office bill has come to Rs 21 lakh. The government should immediately control the prices of petrol and electricity.

He said that people have been forced to sell personal items. PIA’s first 11 planes have been grounded and now 17, its loss has to be borne by the public. The electricity bill is more than the tenant’s rent. Government should make alternative arrangements for tax collection. Government should encourage solar system.

Business leader Sohail Altaf said that the law and order situation in the country has become worse due to inflation. The caretaker government has got the power to settle financial matters. There are protests in the country and the government is not missing out. People have started beating the meter readers. The situation is as if the country has defaulted. Small and big businessmen have raised their hands. If the situation is not handled, the situation will go out of control.

He said that someone’s bill has increased 25 times, someone’s bill has increased by 50 percent. The establishments which are getting free electricity and petrol should be closed. Why is the burden being put on the people? The government should not only ask for sacrifices from the businessmen, it should also be ready to make sacrifices. Property tax has been doubled and every business is facing disaster.

Sohail Altaf said that there will be a full protest against the brutal actions of the government. The business community wants to play the role of a bridge between the government and the people. Caretaker Finance Minister has no time for business class. Before we go on strike and protest, the government should straighten things out. Every section of the country is suffering due to inflation.

The businessman leader Shahid Ghafoor Pracha said that the country is in a state of crisis and nobody cares. Does the government want the people to be in trouble? The poor have nothing to feed their children. For the business community, running a home has become difficult. There is also a request from Pakistan forces, what are you waiting for? The number of beggars in the country is increasing.

He said that small businessmen have started operating rickshaws and bikes after closing their shops. All the businessmen of the country are in touch with the organizations, important decisions are being made in a week. The prices of dollar and petrol have become equal. We request the Pakistan Army to take the business class into confidence. The people and the business community are suffering from mental problems due to the current economic conditions.

In the press conference, the Rawalpindi Chamber and business leaders announced the protest rally on Tuesday and said that the protest rallies will reach Kachhari Chowk where there will be a big protest meeting and the businessmen will join the protest by closing the business at 4 o’clock.

On the other hand, Anjuman Tajran Balakot rejected the increase in electricity bills. The organization has announced non-payment of electricity bills and a shutdown strike from Monday. The business leaders said that the white-clad class has been severely affected by the oppressive taxes. Meanwhile, PESCO has ordered the officers to collect the bill through negotiations with the public. In this regard, it has been said in the announcement that there are reports of public protests at various places. Protests and attacks have also taken place against discos company employees.

It should be noted that protests against heavy electricity bills are going on in most of the small and big cities of the country including Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Quetta, Peshawar, Bagh, Hyderabad. A large number of citizens and business organizations have been protesting by burning electricity bills and announcing non-payment while businessmen have also announced business closures.