The Lahore business community announced on Thursday that they will go on strike on September 2 (Saturday) in protest of rising electricity costs and inflation.
According to a statement issued by Mujahid Maqsood Butt, President of the Traders Association, markets throughout Lahore would remain closed on Saturday (September 2) in protest of increased electricity rates and rising inflation in the country.
Traders cannot pay such high costs, which are hurting our enterprises, Butt remarked, urging Caretaker PM Anwaarul Haq Kakar to reverse the recent increase in electricity bills.
Meanwhile, Karachi businessmen have called to strike on September 1 to protest rising electricity rates.
Countrywide protests
Power bill hikes sparked nationwide protests from Karachi to Khyber, with some protests turning violent in various regions of the country.
The protesting masses have demanded that the government discontinue the distribution of free power to notables and provide them with assistance because the bills they have been receiving exceed their incomes.
Earlier on Wednesday, Caretaker Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar stated that the government cannot grant more electricity bill subsidies while participating in the IMF’s programme.
