JI announces strike on August 28

Plans public outreach as deadline for govt relief looms

KARACHI:

Jamat-e-Islami (JI) emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has announced a "historic nationwide shutter-down strike" on August 28, in protest against the exorbitant electricity bills, anti-public agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and the oppressive tax burden on salaried individuals and traders.

Speaking at a gathering of JI's local and provincial leaders at Idara Noor-e-Haq on Tuesday, Hafiz Naeem also announced plans for a robust public outreach and membership campaign starting from September 1.

The JI further plans to mobilise and organise the public, particularly the youth, under a national agenda and people's charter.

With just 32 days remaining in the agreement with the government, the JI chief issued a stern warning that if relief is not provided to the public, JI will not hesitate to march towards Islamabad.

He was referring to the 45-day deal struck with the government after a 14-day sit-in in Islamabad earlier this month.

"We won't let the government off the hook; we will continue to pursue them," he asserted while commending the relentless efforts, activism, and perseverance of JI workers, especially in the successful sit-ins in Rawalpindi and Karachi.

The JI emir reiterated that while his party will not join any political coalition, it was still open to broader dialogue on national issues.

He stressed that a genuine democracy must prevail in the country, both within the political landscape and within political parties. Politicians, he argued, need to move beyond treating political parties as family enterprises.

He further slammed the current opposition parties, accusing them of either being compromised or confused, adding that the foundation for fair elections lies in Form 45.

He argued that any new government should be formed based on Form 45, as the government formed on Form 47 was not legitimate - a reference to the February 8 general elections marked by controversies surrounding allegedly fraudulent Form 47.

"In cases of hijacking, one must negotiate with the hijackers, no matter how distasteful it might be," he added.

Commenting on the party's efforts to mobilise the masses against the government's efforts, Hafiz Naeem further said the JI was committed to forming alliances with the country's workers, farmers, and youth.

Touching on past experiences, he lamented that despite JI's sincere participation in alliances, other parties often pulled out after receiving phone calls from "higher-ups."

However, he vowed that JI would not fall for such deceptions again and would continue its grassroots movement to address the burning issues of the masses.

He pointed out that in Karachi, JI has successfully brought public attention to fundamental issues, becoming the true voice of the people—a voice that has been reflected in both local and general elections.

Speaking on the Supreme Court's recent ruling, he remarked that Ahmadis will receive full rights as a minority if they acknowledge their status as per the constitution. He warned that deviating from the constitution would only lead to chaos and instability.