Jamaat-e-Islami Announces Nationwide Protests, Strikes Demand Policy Reforms

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Chief Engr Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has announced a series of nationwide protests and strikes, starting with a major rally on August 8 at Marree Road. He promised to reveal further details about the upcoming demonstrations on August 11 in Lahore and August 12 in Peshawar.

In a press briefing, Engr Hafiz Naeemur Rehman outlined JI’s strategy for the coming weeks, including a nationwide strike call to be issued after August 14. The party plans to launch an awareness campaign across all districts to highlight public demands. The focus will be on pressing issues such as reducing electricity bills, eliminating taxes on salaries, removing the petroleum levy, and conducting a forensic audit of Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

Engr Hafiz Naeemur Rehman criticized the government for its handling of these issues, urging it to take action rather than forming new committees. He emphasized that JI’s struggle is rooted in public interests and is committed to peaceful political resistance. He criticized the existing negotiating committees, suggesting they are composed of individuals responsible for Pakistan’s debt issues with the IMF.

The JI chief stressed that the party’s agenda is clear and it will persist in its struggle until public demands are met. He underscored that Pakistan, founded on ideological principles rather than geography, cannot afford further divisions. JI’s protest and strike actions are framed as fundamental democratic rights, reflecting their commitment to addressing critical national issues and advocating for systemic changes.