Pakistani Protests Over Electricity Bills and Khan’s Arrest

Pakistani Protests Over Electricity Bills and Khan's Arrest

Ashiq Butt | July 27, 2024 | 07:52 AM IST | Breaking News, Pakistan News | Follow on Google News

Pakistani Protests Over Electricity Bills and Khan’s Arrest

Pakistani Protests Over Electricity Bills and Khan’s Arrest

Key Highlights:

1. Over 150 workers arrested in Lahore amidst nationwide protests.
2. Islamabad High Court reserves judgment on protest ban appeal.
3. Police impose Section 144, restricting gatherings in the capital.

Protests erupted across Pakistan, excluding the capital, as leaders and supporters of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demonstrated against inflated electricity bills and demanded Khan’s release from jail. The government banned protests in Islamabad, prompting PTI to approach the Islamabad High Court to seek permission for demonstrations. The court has reserved its judgment.

Despite the ban, the right-wing ally Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) held a rally in defiance, leading to the arrest of several workers. In Lahore, over 150 workers from PTI and JI were detained by Punjab law enforcement.

Imran Khan, 71, PTI’s founder, has been jailed at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since August last year. PTI had planned a nationwide protest, including a rally at the National Press Club in Islamabad, while JI aimed to stage a sit-in at F-Chowk against rising electricity costs and prices of other commodities.

Authorities imposed Section 144, banning all gatherings in Islamabad and sealing the Red Zone, which houses key government offices and embassies. The Islamabad administration warned of strict action against violators. Consequently, PTI called off its protest in Islamabad, rescheduling it for Monday.

JI’s spokesperson condemned the police action, asserting that despite the government’s “fascist tactics,” JI would continue its sit-in at D-Chowk. Meanwhile, small gatherings by JI and PTI took place in Rawalpindi and other cities, including Mirpur Mathelo, Moro, and Shangla.

PTI claims that several leaders were arrested ahead of the protests, with their homes raided. Despite government suppression, PTI remains buoyed by a Supreme Court judgment affirming its political status and granting reserved seats, prompting party leaders to prepare for new elections anticipated after November.

Ashiq Butt

Ashiq Butt – is VoM News's senior staffer worked since year 2015 and he deals with correspondency and social media handles. Hailing from Doda's Marmat, Ashiq has strong grip over the collection of the data and it's compiling feature.