JI threatens mass electricity bill strike over govt inaction if 'demands not met'

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman while addressing the ongoing protest against inflation at Rawalpindi’s Liaqat Bagh Chowk, said on Monday that the government has no option but to meet their demands.

He warned that further delays would only harm the ruling authorities, hinting at a possible nationwide call for citizens to stop paying electricity bills.

Addressing a women's rally at the protest site, Naeem stated, "The rulers have no choice but to accept our demands. Our women are ready to move forward to D-Chowk."

Naeem urged the government to heed their demands promptly to avoid further damage. He called for the elimination of taxes, petroleum levies, and electricity taxes.

He emphasised that their movement is not mere politics but a fight against unjust laws.

"We follow the teachings of Islam but reject oppressive laws. Sovereignty belongs only to Allah, and those who deny this are tyrants. Those who believe Allah is the provider do not fear anyone. The greatest power is God, not America," he declared.

Naeem vowed to dismantle the system that he said has oppressed the people. He criticised the lack of women's rights in Pakistan, stating that even educated individuals and scholars fail to uphold these rights.

"We will enact laws ensuring women's rights, and anyone who fails to do so will face imprisonment."

He announced that protests would continue outside governor houses in Peshawar, Lahore, and Karachi until their demands are met.

The JI leader called for a forensic audit of independent power producers (IPPs) and the annulment of previous agreements.

"Any IPP that needs to be shut down should have its revised agreements immediately terminated."

Naeem criticised the government's lavish expenses and lack of vision.

"The world has moved forward, but distributing laptops and flour bags for photo ops will no longer work. We need information technology," he said.

He stressed that providing education is the state's responsibility, particularly when it collects taxes. "Today, more than 26.2 million children are out of school across the country," he added.