LOWER DIR: Pakistan Peoples Party on Sunday held protest rallies in Timergara, Kohat and Lakki Marwat against the government’s failure to control prices of essential food commodities and petroleum products and rampant unemployment in the country.

In Timergara, Lower Dir, hundreds of party workers from all parts of the district gathered and marched on the roads under the leadership of former provincial ministers Mahmood Zeb Khan and advocate Muzaffar Syed.

The participants were carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans against the price hike and growing unemployment.

The rally was addressed by former minister of state Malik Azmat Khan, Mahmood Zeb, Muzaffar Syed, former MPA Mohammad Zamin, Anjuman-i-Tajiran,Timergara, president Haji Anwaruddin and others.

Speakers say Imran deceived people through his slogan of ‘change’

They said inflation had broken the records of 74 years in the country while the government was unable to control it. They said Prime Minister Imran Khan had deceived the nation through his slogan of ‘change’ and bringing reforms in the system in Pakistan.

The PPP leaders flayed the government for doing nothing to control prices of petroleum products, gas, electricity, medicines, flour, sugar and other edible items.

They said the present regime was not the true representative of the people, but it had been imposed on them. They said that fair and transparent elections were the only way to rid the nation of this ‘fascist’ government.

Mahmood Zeb said the government would not be allowed to impose taxes in Malakand division as it had been declared a tax-free zone.

In Kohat, leaders and workers of Pakistan Peoples Party held a protest rally on Sunday against the unprecedented price hike. The protesters after passing through the main bazaar gathered in front of Kohat Press Club where different speakers addressed them.

Senator Shamim Afridi, former councillor Babar Azam Afridi, party’s district president Qazi Sajid, secretary general Abdul Manan Bangash and others spoke on the occasion.

They said the government which had come into power to eliminate corruption was itself involved in it while cases were not being instituted against its ministers and members.

They said that those nominated during inquiries in the wheat, sugar and other scandals were roaming freely.

In Lakki Marwat, PPP district chapter took out a rally in the city on Sunday to record its protest against price hike and lawlessness.

District president advocate Iqbal Hussain led the rally which ended at Saeedkhel Chowk.

Speaking on the occasion, the PPP leaders said high inflation had broken the back of the people.

They said the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities had proved that Imran Khan had deceived the people through different slogans.

Published in Dawn, November 1st, 2021