JI chief opposes fresh polls, calls for existing mandate to be honoured

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has stated that there is no need for new elections in the country and that anyone demanding them might be an agent of someone but is not loyal to the nation.

Speaking at a JI sit-in at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi on Friday, Hafiz Naeem said, "Those imposed on us through Form 47 have caused a dire situation where brothers are killing each other over electricity bills."

Hafiz Naeem proposed the formation of a judicial commission based on the evidence from Form 45. "Those with the public mandate should be given governance, and those imposed via Form 47 should be removed," he asserted.

He criticised those advocating for new elections, whether from the PML-N, PPP, or PTI, accusing them of being agents and not loyal to the country. "They are seeking a share in the spoils of a new election."

Hafiz Naeem claimed that some parties are clamouring for new elections because they feel they have not received their share and now want a part of the new election process.

He also demanded the government end the IPP business and reduce its expenses to provide relief to the public. "More than 80% of IPPs are owned by government personalities, and over 500 billion rupees are being paid to them from our pockets."

The JI chief vowed to continue the sit-in until the privileges given to bureaucrats, military personnel, and judges are ended and agreements with IPPs are terminated. He called for quality education for every child if the government collects taxes.

Hafiz Naeem highlighted the tax disparity, noting that salaried individuals paid Rs375 billion in income tax last year, while large landowners paid less than five billion. "Tax the landlords and remove taxes from salaries and electricity bills."

He instructed his followers to remain prepared, stating, "We will stay here for now because we do not want unrest. Even if we have to sit here for a month, we will, and we will announce the next steps after consultation, which may include moving towards D-Chowk."

Earlier, Jamaat-e-Islami announced sit-ins at three locations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi following the arrest of its workers and road blockages at D-Chowk. JI workers removed containers at Faizabad and opened the route, allowing a convoy to enter Rawalpindi and set up at Liaquat Bagh.

The sit-in at Murree Road will be led by Amirul Azeem, Deputy Amir Dr Osama Razi, along with provincial and district leadership. JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman will lead the sit-in at Zero Point, with Deputy Amir Liaqat Baloch, Mian Muhammad Aslam, and other provincial and Islamabad leaders joining.

The third sit-in at Chungi No. 26 will be led by Deputy Amir Dr Attaur Rehman, Professor Muhammad Ibrahim, and provincial leaders.

Qaiser Sharif declared, "Under the direction of JI leader Hafiz Naeem, wherever there is an obstacle, participants will hold a sit-in. Jamaat-e-Islami will now hold multiple sit-ins."

Police arrested several Jamaat-e-Islami workers ahead of their planned sit-in against inflation, taxes, and electricity bills at D-Chowk in the federal capital. In response, JI altered their strategy, directing workers to gather at H-8 Bridge while a convoy led by JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman entered Islamabad.

Hafiz Naeem arrived at the Islamabad Expressway sit-in to address the participants.

In his speech at the sit-in, Hafiz Naeem stated, "Billions are being embezzled, and the IPPs are exploiting this country. Our sit-in has commenced. We have one demand from the government: provide relief to the public and shut down the IPPs."

Express News reported that police blocked all routes to D-Chowk with containers to prevent the sit-in, citing security concerns, and detained several workers in Islamabad.

To stop people from reaching the sit-in, containers were placed at city entry points, and only one lane remained open on major roads, causing long traffic queues and inconvenience for residents.

Also read: ‘Govt still open for talks’: Tarar accuses JI of breaching agreement on sit-in venue

Heavy police presence at H-8 Interchange attempted negotiations with the workers.

JI’s strategy shift included relocating all workers to H-8 Expressway, where sound systems and a stage were set up. Thousands of workers had already gathered, and senior JI leaders started arriving.

Led by Hafiz Naeem, a convoy from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa crossed barriers at Chungi No. 26 to enter Islamabad. Balochistan Assembly member and provincial leader Maulana Hidayatur Rehman Baloch also arrived from Gwadar with supporters.

Addressing the crowd at Chungi No. 26, Hafiz Naeem said, "We are here for a peaceful, constitutional struggle for the people. We urge the government to remove these barriers and allow everyone to join the protest. The government's oppressive tactics can turn this into multiple sit-ins. Do not worry; we are here to stay. Await further instructions."