Skyrocketing power bills spark protests near Pakistan’s capital

Increasing energy costs have sparked protests (AP)

Protests over skyrocketing power bills have shut down a major road into Pakistan’s capital as some 3,000 supporters of a major Islamist party continued a sit-in despite pouring monsoon rains.

In Pakistan’s south-west, meanwhile, thousands protested against police violence, an internet shutdown and major road closures. At least one person was reportedly killed.