PoJK Residents Protest Against Rampant Rent Hikes and Electricity Charges

Residents and shopkeepers in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir held protests over unregulated rent hikes and electricity charges. Demonstrators highlighted issues of landlord exploitation and bureaucratic corruption. The unrest reflects continued dissatisfaction and the need for governmental reform in the area.

Residents and shopkeepers in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) organized protests to express their discontent with the government's failure to regulate rent and utility charges effectively. Demonstrators pointed to rampant exploitation by landlords who raise rents without oversight, a situation reported by TNN Stories.

One protestor stated, "The government has lost control over rental prices. A landlord charging 10,000 rupees can easily increase the rent to 20,000 rupees within a year, with no government intervention. There are no clear tenancy laws to define basic rental amounts or limit annual hikes. Furthermore, the process for vacating a property after paying rent in advance should be government-regulated." Residents also raised concerns about electricity pricing, pointing out that promised lower rates are not benefiting the populace. "If electricity is supposed to be cheaper, those benefits are not reaching the people," said one demonstrator.

Officials from the electricity department continue to visit homes under the pretense of verifying usage, confiscating meters and ID cards, claimed the protestor leading the demonstration. Demonstrators also brought to light the pervasive corruption in the region's bureaucracy, accusing officials of demanding bribes to perform their duties. "In this district headquarter, some officials demand large sums, use official vehicles, and claim travel allowances. However, they refuse to perform their duties unless you pay a bribe," the protester added, as reported by TNN Stories.

These protests underscore the deepening dissatisfaction among PoJK residents, who call for greater accountability and reforms from their government. Traders and shopkeepers in the region face numerous challenges, including political instability, limited market access, poor infrastructure, complex regulations, economic uncertainty, and security concerns, all of which complicate their business operations and growth, according to TNN Stories.

(With inputs from agencies.)