JI to hold Kisan march today

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has announced holding a Kisan March in Mandi Bahauddin on December 25 (today) and a Palestine Solidarity Million March in Islamabad on December 29.

"The Kisan March aims to expand the movement for farmers' rights across the entire country. Issues related to agriculture and small farmers are not part of any other political party's agenda except the JI," he said while speaking to journalist in Lahore.

Hafiz Naeem said his party will wait till end of winters and then take to streets if the government does not implement its agreement with the JI with regard to power bills. He said it is because of the JI's protest that the government is holding talks with independent power producers (IPPs). Commenting on national matters, Hafiz Naeem appreciated the negotiations between the government and the PTI.

However, he expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Kurram and Balochistan. "The Baloch people should be respected and their grievances addressed," he said.

Hafiz Naeem said military operations are not a solution to the problem of militancy. He urged the federal and provincial governments to resolve the Kurram issue through negotiation.