Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, the chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan (JI), has called for a nationwide shutter-down strike on August 28 in protest against soaring electricity bills and rising inflation.
Speaking at a JI-organized rally in Multan on Friday, Hafiz Naeem sharply criticized all political parties for imposing heavy electricity bills on the public, saying, “These bills have left the people in distress.
The public can no longer bear the luxuries and privileges of the rulers.” He emphasized that JI has not relented in its demands and warned, “If these demands are not met, we will mobilize a massive march towards Islamabad.”
Read more: Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman explains the purpose of Islamabad Dharna, Announces Nationwide Protests
Commenting on the recent reduction in electricity tariffs, he remarked, “Today they announced a reduction of Rs14 per unit. The public should recognize who stood firm on this issue and whose efforts led to this reduction. It’s not about taking credit, but we will not tolerate expensive electricity under any circumstances.”
Hafiz Naeem also questioned why Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif cannot extend the relief nationwide if Nawaz Sharif can reduce electricity prices in Punjab. He suggested that gradually phasing out interest-based loans could further alleviate electricity costs.
“If all political parties could unite for General Bajwa’s extension, why can’t they come together to provide relief to the public? Reducing their privileges could help ease the burden on the people,” he added.
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He gave the government a 37-day ultimatum to address their demands, warning that failure to do so would lead to a long march on Islamabad. “We will launch a movement that will not stop, bringing together all sections of society,” he declared.
Hafiz Naeem called on political workers from across the spectrum, including those from PTI, PML-N, and PPP, to join the strike, stating, “Electricity bills impact everyone, and we must unite in this protest.”