For Protesting Against Hike In Electricity Tariff, State Books JI Leaders

The JI leaders were booked for allegedly obstructing traffic, causing damage to government property, and forcibly closing down businesses

For Protesting Against Hike In Electricity Tariff, State Books JI Leaders

In response to Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leaders' demonstrations against the rise in electricity prices, a first information report (FIR) was filed against them in Peshawar on Sunday.

As per the FIR, the JI leaders were booked for allegedly obstructing traffic, causing damage to government property, and forcibly closing down businesses.

JI chief Sirajul Haq, advocate Khalid Gul, Zahid Shah, Tahir Zareen, Haji Qadeer, and others were nominated in the FIR.

A day before, hundreds of traders took part in a countrywide strike by closing their shops in protest of skyrocketing inflation, expensive power costs, and the recent increase in the cost of petroleum items.

The request for a strike was made by JI and several trade groups, and it was backed by lawyers, who abstained from appearing in court.

The commercial hubs and business centers remained shut in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and other cities throughout the country.

During a news conference in Lahore on Friday, the JI chief also declared a countrywide strike as a form of protest against the onerous energy costs. The party urged the government to reverse its "draconian" actions.

The JI even organized thousands of women to protest painful hikes in power rates, calling for immediate relief and the removal of high levies from the bills. The protest, which was the largest in the recent wave of anti-power demonstrations, took place on New MA Jinnah Road.