JI Chief Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman Threatens Nationwide Protests Over Inflation, Demands Government Action
JI Chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman threatens nationwide protests over inflation, criticizing unfair IPP agreements and government perks, and demands immediate action.
Rawalpindi – Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman announced that if their demands concerning inflation are not met, the party will extend its protests to Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta in two days. Speaking at a press conference during the sit-in at Liaquat Bagh Chowk, Rawalpindi, he emphasized that the protests, which have entered their fourth day, would continue until their demands are met, even hinting at a potential march to D-Chowk.
Hafiz Naeem highlighted the severe impact of rising electricity costs on the public, noting that no one is addressing their grievances. He mentioned the increasing participation of women in the protests and criticized the government for blocking women from joining the demonstrations in Lahore, where a similar sit-in has already begun.
He criticized the unfair agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), stating that 70-80% of IPPs would shut down due to these contracts, while the government holds shares in 52% of them. He called for an end to capacity charges and excessive taxes on electricity bills, demanding that electricity prices be determined based on actual production costs.
Hafiz Naeem also called for the elimination of government perks, questioning why WAPDA officers and other department officials receive free electricity and fuel. He proposed that the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and judges should use only 1300cc vehicles, as the burden of luxury vehicles is unfairly placed on the public.
He urged for a forensic audit of IPPs, pointing out that contracts renewed in 2019 have cost the public over two trillion rupees. He demanded the removal of levies on petrol and taxes on essential items like flour, sugar, and pulses, arguing that these taxes are crippling industries and causing unemployment. Hafiz Naeem appealed to all political parties to join their struggle and urged JI workers to focus on government actions instead of internal conflicts, as some elements attempt to create divisions. He criticized the government’s submission to IMF demands and called for negotiations with China to resolve issues through mutual understanding.
