The JI chief revealed that consultations were underway with traders for a possible three-day nationwide strike, which could lead to a complete shutdown across the country
LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has issued a stern warning to the government, demanding the implementation of the Rawalpindi agreement within 16 days, failing which, he said, the government would face consequences. Addressing a workers’ convention and membership drive inauguration in Gujranwala on Friday, Hafiz Naeem cautioned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif against complaining about JI’s future actions, should the agreement remain unfulfilled.
Hafiz Naeem, who has been vocal about the rights of the people, criticized the government’s extravagant lifestyle and the burden it places on the public. “The people will no longer tolerate the weight of government luxuries and the Independent Power Producers (IPPs),” he declared. He further emphasized that his party’s fight for public rights was unwavering and that any attempts to obstruct their path would not be tolerated.
The JI chief revealed that consultations were underway with traders for a possible three-day nationwide strike, which could lead to a complete shutdown across the country. “If the government fails to act, we will close the entire country,” Hafiz Naeem warned. He credited JI for any relief that the public in Punjab had received and called for a uniform electricity tariff across the nation.
Hafiz Naeem also urged the government to curtail its privileges and reduce its extravagance in response to the country’s economic crisis. He accused the IPPs of committing fraud on three counts. “First, the agreements with IPPs were flawed; second, they are charging for electricity that isn’t being produced; and third, they aren’t paying taxes on the revenue they receive,” he claimed.
Hafiz Naeem did not spare past governments in his criticism, holding the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) equally responsible for shielding the IPPs. “All these political parties have played a role in this looting,” he said. The JI leader also announced the expansion of the party’s “Haq Do Awam Ko” (Give People Their Rights) campaign, with an ambitious target of 5 million new members.
“We are receiving overwhelming support from across the country. Our membership camps are open to anyone who wishes to stand up for public rights and work towards establishing an Islamic system,” he stated. Condemning the rising utility costs, Hafiz Naeem expressed concern over the increased electricity tariffs, gas prices, and petrol taxes. He criticized the government for its inability to justify certain taxes on electricity bills.
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