Jamaat-e-Islami, on the directives of Ameer Pakistan Engineer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, held a series of protests across Karachi on Friday, to demand the cancellation of agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and the reduction of electricity prices. The protests were held at 14 different locations in the city, including Shahrah-e-Faisal, Korangi DC Office, Dawood Chowrangi, and others, where Jamaat-e-Islami’s district heads and leaders addressed the public. Speaking at the demonstration near Shaheen Complex, Karachi Ameer, Monem Zafar Khan, condemned the exorbitant electricity bills and constant load shedding by K-Electric, which he claimed provided the most expensive electricity to Karachiites despite receiving substantial payments.
He demanded the cancellation of K-Electric’s license, an end to load shedding, and the direct provision of electricity to Karachi from the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC). Khan criticized the ruling parties, including the PPP, PML-N, PTI, and MQM P, accusing them of being complicit in the exploitation by IPPs. He highlighted that despite recent revised agreements saving the government Rs. 1100 billion, the benefits have yet to reach the public.
He reiterated Jamaat-e-Islami’s ongoing resistance against unjust electricity prices and its determination to continue pressuring the government to lower bills for the masses. The protests were part of a national movement following the party’s 14-day sit-in in Rawalpindi, which led to the revised agreements with IPPs. Khan also questioned the government’s failure to fulfill promises of free electricity for consumers using up to 300 units, questioning the authenticity of their commitments. Sufyan Dilawar, Ameer District South, emphasized the suffering of Karachi residents who are enduring 14 to 16 hours of load shedding daily.
He reiterated the demand for a decrease in electricity tariffs and the dissolution of IPP agreements. Protests across the city, with placards and banners in hand, called for an end to high electricity costs and corruption within the energy sector, drawing attention to the ongoing struggles of ordinary people burdened by high energy costs and load shedding.
