LAHORE MIRROR — A First Information Report (FIR) was lodged on Sunday against leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) who had staged a protest against the recent surge in electricity prices in Peshawar.
According to the details, the FIR outlines several charges, including alleged disruption of government operations, road blockades, vandalism of government property, and the forcible closure of shops.
Among those named in the FIR are JI chief Sirajul Haq, as well as other leaders such as advocate Khalid Gul, Zahid Shah, Tahir Zareen, Haji Qadeer, and several others.
The previous day witnessed a widespread shutter-down strike organized by JI, various traders’ associations, and supported by legal professionals. This strike prompted lawyers to boycott courtrooms in solidarity.
Major commercial centers and business districts in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar remained closed during the strike, with abandoned markets adorned with placards condemning the “unjustified surge in electricity bills and taxes.”
JI’s chief had earlier announced a nationwide strike during a press conference held in Lahore on Friday, emphasizing their opposition to what they deemed “oppressive electricity bills” and demanding the government to retract what they referred to as “draconian decisions.”
As part of their protest against the steep electricity tariff hikes, JI even organized a massive women’s march, which was described as the largest demonstration in the current wave of power-related protests. The march took place on New MA Jinnah Road and called for immediate relief and a reduction in the heavy taxes imposed on electricity bills.
