HYDERABAD:
The Hyderabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI) has given a call to observe a shutter down strike in Hyderabad on August 28 against unbridled hikes in the electricity and fuel prices.
Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and many smaller organizations of traders have announced support for the strike. The HCCI will also organize a protest rally which will culminate at Kohenoor Chowk where the traders and local politicians will address the rally.
The Pakistan Peoples Party Hyderabad President Sagheer Qureshi, who is also Deputy Mayor of Hyderabad, too has expressed support for the HCCI protest against Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO).
Qureshi said the systematic escalation of grievances against the HESCO and its mother organisation WAPDA has reached an unbearable threshold, with the populace of Hyderabad being subjected to unceasing malpractices. These include exorbitant hikes in electricity rates, up to twelve to sixteen hours of load shedding, and an administrative apparatus within HESCO marred by corruption and hostility towards the citizens.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 28th, 2023.