Islamist Party Protest in Rawalpindi Amid Electricity Cost Surge

ISLAMABAD (AP) — In a significant display of dissent, hundreds of supporters from the Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan party initiated a sit-in protest in Rawalpindi late Friday. This action followed the detention of numerous party members by authorities, who aimed to thwart their planned rally in Islamabad, citing security concerns. The protest is primarily focused on the government's recent substantial increase in electricity costs, which has sparked widespread criticism across the nation. The Jamaat-e-Islami party had originally intended to hold their sit-in near the parliament building in Islamabad, demanding the withdrawal of the electricity price hike. Many citizens have expressed frustration, noting that their electricity bills now exceed their monthly salaries. Naeem-ur-Rehman, the party leader, addressed the crowd in Rawalpindi, indicating his readiness to continue the sit-in for an extended period if necessary. Authorities have justified the increase in electricity fees as a requirement to fulfill conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This move is part of the negotiations that led to a staff-level agreement for a new $7 billion loan deal for Pakistan, reached earlier this month. The government's actions have ignited public outrage, as many citizens struggle to cope with the rising costs of living. As the sit-in continues, the situation remains tense, with the potential for further escalation as the party seeks to amplify its demands and challenge the government's economic policies.