Under the terms of the agreement, the government committed to reducing taxes on the salaried class and lowering electricity rates within the next month and a half
LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman issued a strong warning to the government on Sunday, vowing to escalate protests to a nationwide wheel jam strike if the promised agreements are not implemented within the next 45 days. Addressing a large public gathering in Lahore, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman made it clear that Jamaat-e-Islami is prepared to intensify its protests across Pakistan if their demands are not met.
“If the government fails to uphold its commitments, we will not hesitate to take our protest nationwide,” Hafiz Naeemur Rehman declared. He emphasized the growing frustration among the populace, citing issues such as high electricity bills and rampant inflation as critical points of contention. “The people have rallied behind our cause, and we urge them to support us in our fight for justice,” he added.
The Jamaat-e-Islami chief expressed deep dissatisfaction with the government’s delays in addressing these pressing issues. Rehman’s remarks came in the wake of a recent agreement between Jamaat-e-Islami and the government following a prolonged sit-in on Murree Road, which ended on August 9 after 14 days of protests.
Under the terms of the agreement, the government committed to reducing taxes on the salaried class and lowering electricity rates within the next month and a half. Additionally, a new income tax system targeting landlords and landholders was promised. Rehman criticized the government’s handling of the protest, accusing the Punjab Police of futile attempts to disrupt the demonstration by raiding Jamaat-e-Islami workers’ homes.
In his speech, Rehman also touched on broader issues, criticizing the current administration’s approach to international relations. He condemned the government’s handling of Balochistan’s missing persons issue and called for their immediate recovery. Rehman also voiced concerns about the administration’s foreign policy, urging for improved relations with neighboring countries and advocating for a constructive dialogue with Afghanistan.
“The current rulers are bringing disrepute to Pakistan by seeking assistance from other countries while neglecting pressing domestic issues,” Hafiz Naeemur Rehman asserted. He also condemned the actions of Punjab Police during the sit-in and questioned the government’s approach to managing protests. The sit-in, which began on July 26, saw significant participation from Jamaat-e-Islami supporters, who gathered at various locations, including I-8 on Islamabad Expressway.
Rehman underscored Jamaat-e-Islami’s commitment to fighting for the rights of the people and warned that failure to meet the agreed terms would result in an even more intense nationwide protest campaign. Rehman’s statements reflect a heightened tension between Jamaat-e-Islami and the government, with the party positioning itself as a vocal critic of the administration’s performance and policies.
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