Tag: protest

  • Police baton-charges teachers and health workers in Lahore, Bahawalpur

    Police baton-charges teachers and health workers in Lahore, Bahawalpur

    In an attempt to deter protesting government employees, Lahore police subjected them to baton charging. The incident occurred on Thursday while protesters were holding a rally from the PMG chowk to Aiwan-i-Iqbal. There were more than a hundred government employees, both male and female teachers and health workers. As part of the crackdown they were shifted to different police stations of the city.

    The protest was held by All Government Employees Grand Alliance (AGEGA), a coalition of 34 organisations representing many departments including health, education and higher education. Their protest is especially targeteding the Punjab Government and the district administration over the arrest of more than 200 teachers.

    They have a range of demands which include the restoration of leave encashment, reversal of amendments to pension regulations and cancellation of privatisation plans for public schools. To get their protests registered, many teachers are boycotting classes in the schools and colleges throughout the province for the last one week.

    The office bearers of AGEGA have held Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi responsible for all their complaints but they also pledged not to give up on their demands or surrender in front of violence.

    In Bahawalpur, Police booked around 200 employees under 16-MPO for making provocative speeches against the Government and blocking the road. An FIR lodged by the police says that the demonstrators were asked to unblock the road, however, they kept it blocked until action by police became imperative.

  • NEPRA recommends electricity rate increase of Rs3.28 per unit

    NEPRA recommends electricity rate increase of Rs3.28 per unit

    The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has officially proposed to the government an increase in the electricity tariff of Rs3.28 per unit, citing the need for a quarterly adjustment.

    In this proposal, NEPRA is looking to impose an additional financial burden of approximately Rs160 billion on consumers of electricity. According to ARY News, this recommendation has been conveyed to the caretaker federal government through an official summary, outlining the suggested increment of Rs3.28 in electricity rates as part of the fourth-quarter adjustment for the fiscal year 2022–23. 

    The proposed increase, subject to approval by the federal government, would also apply to K-Electric consumers. As a result of this adjustment, power consumers would be required to make additional payments over the next six months, spanning from October 2023 to March 2024. 

    It is worth noting that the proposed surge in power tariffs has incited protests throughout the country, with citizens expressing their displeasure over the considerable rise in electricity costs and the imposition of excessive taxes on electricity bills. In some instances, individuals infuriated by inflated bills have resorted to burning them as a form of protest, while certain political factions have threatened to stage sit-in demonstrations outside K-Electric offices. 

    This unrest surrounding the increased electricity tariffs coincides with Pakistan’s ongoing economic struggles, characterised by financial constraints and an inflation rate hovering around 29 per cent. 

    Furthermore, it is important to highlight that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reportedly discouraged Pakistan from offering relief to consumers using over 200 units of electricity on a monthly basis. According to sources, the IMF argued that reducing electricity bills for such consumers would not address the issue of circular debt. 

    Consequently, relief in the form of deferred payments for electricity bills will be exclusively extended to consumers who consistently utilise less than 200 units for six consecutive months. This relief would be rescinded if a consumer’s bill exceeded 200 units within the same timeframe, as per the sources. 

    Caretaker Federal Minister for Energy, Power, and Petroleum, Muhammad Ali, has also announced that the revised electricity tariff will be introduced before October 31. During a press conference held alongside Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Minister Ali emphasised the government’s commitment to combating electricity and gas theft through indiscriminate measures. 

    He added that efforts are being made to regulate and potentially lower electricity tariffs, with a goal to supply cost-effective electricity to industries starting on October 31. Muhammad Ali attributed the surge in electricity bills to electricity theft and the increased price of the US dollar. 

    While acknowledging the challenges of amending previous agreements, the minister pledged that the government would explore solutions within the framework of existing arrangements. He also expressed the government’s commitment to promoting solar energy despite the lack of reductions in solar equipment prices, outlining plans to devise a strategy for the promotion of solarization. 

  • Jamaat-e-Islami to stage dharna in Lahore against inflation

    Jamaat-e-Islami to stage dharna in Lahore against inflation

    Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has announced the schedule of a sit-in in Lahore to protest against spiralling inflation in the country, ARY News has reported.

    According to the details, the JI sit-in will start today (September 21), with party workers gathering in front of the Governor House on Mall Road, Lahore.

    JI Ameer Sirajul Haq and senior leaders, including Liaquat Baloch, Ameerul Azeem, and other provincial leaders, will address protesters and party workers.

    Earlier, JI had staged a sit-in against high electricity bills and skyrocketing inflation.

    The secretary general of JI Ameerul Azeem headed the committee meeting of the party to finalise the schedule of sit-ins and protests against inflation.

    It should also be remembered that the caretaker government increased petrol price by Rs58 per litre and diesel price by Rs56 per litre within a month.

  • Power sector’s circular debt surpasses Rs2 trillion despite massive tariff increase 

    Power sector’s circular debt surpasses Rs2 trillion despite massive tariff increase 

    Despite raising tariffs significantly, Pakistan’s power sector debt grew to Rs2.31 trillion by June 2023, up from Rs2.25 trillion in the previous fiscal year (FY22). This increase of Rs57 billion (about 3 per cent) over 12 months is quite different from FY22 when the debt actually decreased by Rs27 billion. 

    Here’s a breakdown of the key points: 

    1. In FY22, the debt was Rs2.25 trillion, but by June 2023, it had risen to Rs2.31 trillion. 

    2. In FY22, power producers were owed Rs1,351 billion, generation companies owed Rs101 billion to fuel suppliers, and Rs800 billion was held in Pakistan Holding Limited (PHL).  

    3. In FY22-23, the debt to power producers increased to Rs1,434 billion, while the debt to PHL decreased to Rs765 billion in FY23. 

    4. In FY22, some subsidies were reduced by Rs12 billion, but in FY23, there were no subsidies left. 

    5. The interest charges on delayed payments by independent power producers (IPPs) increased to Rs105 billion in FY22 but dropped to Rs100 billion by the end of FY23. 

    6. The markup paid on IPPs’ claims by PHL increased from Rs29 billion in FY22 to Rs43 billion in FY23. 

    7. The pending generation cost, including tariff adjustments and fuel charges, decreased from Rs414 billion in FY22 to Rs250 billion in FY23. 

    8. K-Electric’s outstanding dues went from Rs107 billion in FY22 to an excess payment of Rs53 billion in FY23. 

    9. However, power distribution companies (Discos) saw their losses due to inefficiency rise from Rs133 billion to Rs160 billion in FY23. 

    Read more: Pakistan to launch digital rupee to reduce printing and distribution costs 

    In simple terms, even though the government raised tariffs to collect more money for the power sector, the debt continued to increase. This debt is owed to various power-related entities, and some subsidies and charges also changed over the years. Additionally, while some costs went down, the losses due to inefficiencies in power distribution increased. 

  • Which celebrity paid Rs100,000 electricity bill? Celebs share details of inflation affecting their budgets

    Which celebrity paid Rs100,000 electricity bill? Celebs share details of inflation affecting their budgets

    After protests and demonstrations broke out across Pakistan as petrol and electricity bill hikes took effect, celebrities are amplifying voices calling for the government to provide relief packages to the masses. Many big names of the industry are sharing how their expenses are spiking because of the excessive rates. A-listers like Maya Ali condemned rising prices and demanded for people in power to step out and help the underprivileged ones who couldn’t afford basic necessities.

    Actress and television host Nadia Khan shocked audiences when in a recent video, she asked prominent celebrities like Nida Yasir, Fiza Ali and Sadia Imam about how their household expenses are being recalculated with the on-going price hikes, and the results are astounding.

    Actress Sadia Imam said her previous electricity bill was RS 75,000, after which she decided to install a solar system at her house. The result, the actress elaborated, was that her bill was Rs 19,000 but after adding Rs 5000 tax it was Rs 26,000.

    Nida Yasir had the most shocking revelation in the video. She confessed that despite the fact that for half of the month their family was out of the country, her electricity bill was Rs 1 lac.

    Fizza Ali said her electricity bill this month was Rs 67,000, adding that in the previous month her electricity bill was even higher, but during this time the actress was on vacation in Dubai.

    Nadia Khan then revealed to her audience that last month during the time she was away from her home in Karachi and was in Thailand, her bill Rs 75,000.

    ‘It’s horrifying to think that we weren’t in our homes, and our bill was Rs 75,000. So what would be the amount this month?” the actress said.

    Watch the complete video here

  • Fact check: Islamabad Police confirm elderly protester is safe, debunking suicide rumours

    Fact check: Islamabad Police confirm elderly protester is safe, debunking suicide rumours

    In the midst of ongoing nationwide protests against escalating electricity bills, rumours of a tragic incident have emerged, capturing the attention of social media users and news outlets alike. A post that quickly gained traction depicted an elderly man, purportedly driven to despair by soaring electricity prices, who tragically took his own life by jumping off a bridge in Rawalpindi.

    The accompanying image showed the man lying on the road, an electricity bill resting on his chest. However, an investigation by the Islamabad Police has since confirmed that these claims are false.

    The viral post elicited an outpouring of sympathy and concern from prominent social media figures and digital news platforms, who shared the purported tragedy with deep sadness. However, as the post gained momentum, it also caught the attention of the Islamabad Police. Responding to the viral news, the authorities swiftly addressed the situation, clarifying that the incident as portrayed never occurred.

    In an official statement, the Islamabad Police stated, “The case of an elderly citizen jumping from a bridge has been circulating on social media. However, there is no truth to this news. While the elderly citizen did fall during the protest, he later safely returned home. Videos of this incident went viral among citizens on social media platforms. It’s important for citizens to refrain from disseminating such false information and instead report any suspicious activities by calling 15.”

    This incident serves as a reminder of the critical role that accurate information plays in shaping public perception and understanding of events. As protests continue to unfold across Pakistan, staying vigilant against the spread of unverified news is paramount to upholding the integrity of the ongoing discourse.

    Read more: Taxes in your electricity bill: What Pakistanis are paying and what for?

    It is crucial for both individuals and media outlets to exercise responsible reporting, ensuring that the facts are presented accurately and without distortion.

  • ‘Bijli k mehngay bills ki handi PDM hakoomat ny pakai’, says Saira Bano

    ‘Bijli k mehngay bills ki handi PDM hakoomat ny pakai’, says Saira Bano

    Senior leader of the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), Saira Bano, has asked in her video why parties who have been in government for the past 16 months, are calling for protests against high electricity bills, terming the action “incomprehensible”.

    The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government is responsible for inflation as well as the “handi” of high electricity bills, Bano stated.

    She further said in her video that every citizen is facing difficulty paying their electricity bill, stressing that the situation is the same for rich and poor in Pakistan due to inflation.

    On the other hand, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has directed party workers to take part in the protests against exorbitant electricity bills and become the “people’s voice,” Geo News has reported.

    Secretary General (SG) of PPP, Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari, instructed workers on Sunday to protest at the union council and tehsil levels.

    According to Nayyer Bokhari, every citizen of the country is worried about the electricity bill. He further added, ” PPP workers should become the voice of the people and start protesting against inflated electricity tariffs”.

    The protests started across the country because of exorbitant electricity bills, with protesters demanding a reduction in their electricity bills as well as the removal of extra taxes on utility bills. The protesters also mentioned that they would not pay their bills if their demands were not met.

    Earlier, the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) announced on Saturday that it would stage a protest against the exorbitant electricity bills.

    Read More: PM Kakar sets 48-hour deadline for relief plan amid electricity bill protests

    Addressing a seminar in Lahore, JI Ameer Sirajul Haq lashed out at political opponents and the caretaker government, saying, “The caretaker government is following the footsteps of the previous governments in terms of taking wrong decisions for the sake of the country.”

  • Shah Rukh Khan endorses a gaming app and protests erupt outside his home, security increased

    Shah Rukh Khan endorses a gaming app and protests erupt outside his home, security increased

    Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan’s recent endorsements were met with severe backlash from the public, including an NGO which felt the actor was encouraging younger minds to play online games. The actor recently endorsed a gaming app A23, an online platform, for which a commercial was released in which the ‘Pathaan’ actor said “Chalo saath khelein’.

    Protests followed and were led by the NGO Untouch Youth Foundation, which called for celebrities to be held accountable for promoting online gaming apps which could ‘corrupt their minds of the youth of India’. Demonstrations were held outside Mannat house, SRK’s residence, and police officials were deployed in case of security threats.

    In an official statement, the organisation said they were calling for a protest against gaming apps like Zuppee, Jungly Rummy, and called out actors who endorsed these products.

    “Famous actors and actresses work in these advertisements and they are working towards misguiding society. The protest will be held outside Shah Rukh Khan’s Mannat bungalow on behalf of Untouch India Foundation.”

    The president of Untouch India Foundation, Krishchandra Adal, said:

    “The new generation is involved in playing Junglee rummy. If someone is playing Junglee rummy or gambling outside, the police arrest them, but big Bollywood stars promoting online games are misleading the young generation. The Bollywood stars also know it is wrong, but they are getting money so they are promoting them. We make these stars famous by watching their movies and spending our money on them. We demand these advertisements to stop. These apps are illegal, we can not find them on Google, but these apps are uploaded on private websites.”

  • PM Kakar sets 48-hour deadline for relief plan amid electricity bill protests

    PM Kakar sets 48-hour deadline for relief plan amid electricity bill protests

    Amid escalating protests across the nation demanding relief from inflated power bills, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar has taken proactive steps to address the pressing issue. In response to the ongoing unrest, Prime Minister Kakar convened a high-level meeting yesterday to strategise and formulate a comprehensive relief plan within the next 48 hours.

    The focal point of the meeting was an informative briefing provided by the Power Division, shedding light on the notable increase in power bills during the month of July. Attended by esteemed members of the interim cabinet, including Dr Shamsad Akhtar, Dr Gohar Ijaz, and the PM’s advisor, Dr Waqar Masood, the meeting aimed to address the mounting concerns over the substantially high electricity bills. There are growing fears that if swift action is not taken, the situation could spiral into widespread public protests and potentially even riots.

    In the aftermath of the meeting, PM Kakar took to social media to communicate the intended course of action. “The Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Finance have been tasked with collaboratively devising an action plan aimed at providing relief to the public with regard to their electricity bills,” announced the Prime Minister, reiterating the government’s commitment to addressing the pressing issue.

    Beyond seeking immediate measures to curtail electricity consumption on government premises, Prime Minister Kakar emphasised that consultations would be initiated with all provincial representatives. He further assured the public that the caretaker government was resolute in its commitment to providing the maximum possible relief while remaining within its designated mandate.

    The Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi, echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments by sharing the key outcomes of the meeting via social media. He conveyed that PM Kakar had stressed the urgency of devising an action plan within the next 48 hours to alleviate the mounting financial burden caused by excessive charges on electricity bills. The Prime Minister’s emphasis was on implementing measures that wouldn’t have a detrimental impact on the national exchequer yet would genuinely alleviate the financial strain on consumers.

    The meeting concluded with a comprehensive commitment to tackle electricity theft, roll out energy-efficient initiatives, and initiate dialogue with provincial chief ministers regarding the substantial charges incurred in July. The meeting also included detailed briefings on pertinent issues within the electricity sector and strategies to counteract electricity theft.

    Against the backdrop of sustained protests, political parties from diverse backgrounds have voiced their concerns and demands. Jamaat-e-Islami has taken a decisive step by announcing a nationwide strike on September 2 as a means of voicing their discontent with the drastic surge in electricity bills. The party’s leader, Siraj-ul-Haq, articulated his intention to mobilise people across the country to participate in these protests, lamenting the financial hardship faced by salaried individuals due to soaring living costs.

    According to Brecorder, adding to the chorus of concerns, MQM-P leaders have issued a stern warning that the ongoing protests could rapidly escalate into violent riots if prompt relief measures are not taken. Farooq Sattar, Senior Deputy Convener of MQM-P, highlighted the burden of multiple taxes contributing to the high electricity bills, underscoring the palpable frustration among the populace.

    As the nation anticipates the proposed relief plan within the stipulated 48-hour timeframe, the government’s actions in response to the mounting crisis will significantly shape the trajectory of the ongoing protests and public sentiment at large.

  • JI announces protest against inflated electricity bills

    JI announces protest against inflated electricity bills

    The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) announced on Saturday that it would stage a protest against the exorbitant electricity bills.

    Addressing a seminar in Lahore, JI Ameer Sirajul Haq lashed out at political opponents and the caretaker government, saying, “The caretaker government is following the footsteps of the previous governments in terms of taking wrong decisions for the sake of the country.”

    “The power bills have increased three times within one month. People have been compelled to commit suicide due to the ballooning inflation. The electricity bill of at least Rs50,000 has been sent to every house,” said Mr Haq.

    He made it clear that the JI would stage a protest outside of the power distribution companies.

    Earlier, interim Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce that that he has summoned an emergency meeting over the price of electricity and consumers’ inflated bills, adding that he will hold consultations to provide maximum relief to power consumers.

    The prime minister has directed the Ministry of Energy and power distributions companies to present him with a detailed briefing over the issue.