Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, the Emir of Jamaat-i-Islami (JI), declared a countrywide strike scheduled for September 3 in protest against the petroleum levy. During a speech at a sit-in outside the Punjab chief minister’s residence in Lahore, he cautioned the government that failure to alleviate the struggles of the populace might lead to an escalation of their protests, potentially resulting in a significant march toward Islamabad.
Rehman criticized the current leadership, asserting that they lack both foresight and the capability to govern effectively, stating, “Their only agenda seems to be exploiting the citizens.” He noted that the movement has gone beyond three urban centers, with protests now taking place across various regions of the nation.
He urged party members and supporters to heighten their efforts, arguing that the government is testing the limits of public patience. Additionally, he called upon business owners to join the nationwide strike on September 3, emphasizing it is essential for safeguarding public interests.
A significant gathering is set to take place in Faisalabad on Friday, where Rehman promised that the protest efforts would ramp up in the coming days. He assured that the upcoming strike would be conducted peacefully, asserting, “Not even a flowerpot will be harmed,” while firmly stating that the government must heed the demands of the citizens.
Rehman outlined that the activism of JI extends beyond the current sit-ins, targeting issues such as the dealings with independent power producers (IPPs), the petroleum levy, and the flour mafia. He demanded the repeal of the petroleum tax and the termination of what he termed unfair agreements with IPPs, also calling for reduced electricity and fuel costs for merchants.
He highlighted previous JI protests that successfully led to lower electricity tariffs for consumers, insisting that the government needs to extend similar relief concerning fuel prices.
On the subject of the Pims incident, where children lost their lives, Rehman blamed governmental incompetence and negligence, questioning the administration’s capability to govern when it struggles to manage healthcare facilities effectively. He raised concerns about the lack of safety protocols at Pims and whether medical personnel were adequately trained for emergencies.
Furthermore, he criticized the establishment of a committee by Pims for inquiry, given that a separate investigation had already been commissioned by the prime minister, suggesting this move was merely a tactic to evade accountability. He called for a thorough investigation, arguing that the issue cannot be resolved with the dismissal of a single individual.
Rehman reiterated that JI’s sit-in is fundamentally about advocating for the rights of Pakistan’s 250 million citizens, emphasizing that it is the state’s responsibility to provide basic rights instead of imposing additional tax burdens on the populace.
