JI to push ahead with sit-in over unmet demands

Party chief Hafiz Naeem highlights how 74% of population struggles financially amid rulers' extravagant spending

ISLAMABAD:

Amir Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, has declared that they cannot see the public disheartened and are prepared to stay on the streets for 40 days to ensure their demands are met.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Hafiz Naeem emphasized that this issue concerns the entire nation, not just JI, and consultations with traders are ongoing.

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He highlighted the deteriorating law and order situation across the country, particularly in Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab, while bandits dominate the kacha areas in Sindh.

Hafiz Naeem expressed concern that 74% of the population is struggling to meet their expenses, with the youth increasingly feeling that the country offers them no opportunities, all while the rulers continue their extravagant spending.

Criticising the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Hafiz Naeem pointed out rampant corruption, with Rs1,300 billion being embezzled. He stressed that while expanding the tax net is necessary, raising tax rates could undermine exporters' competitiveness.

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Hafiz Naeem also urged the government to understand the frustrations of the youth, noting that no one can progress or secure a future under the current circumstances.

He mentioned significant gas exploration in Kohat, arguing that timely and correct actions by the rulers could have prevented gas load-shedding. He emphasized the urgent need for the Pak-Iran gas pipeline and called for an accelerated gas exploration process.

The JI chief further criticised the government's handling of regional unrest and the use of delaying tactics in Islamabad's local government elections, pointing out the dismal state of local bodies in K-P and the challenges faced in holding local elections in Punjab and Islamabad.

Hafiz Naeem noted that despite a struggle, local elections were conducted in Sindh, although they were marred by rigging.