Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has issued a firm warning to the government, stating that if the recently agreed-upon promises are not implemented within the next 45 days, his party will escalate its protests with a nationwide wheel jam strike. Speaking at a public gathering in Lahore, Rehman emphasized the urgency of the situation, particularly regarding high electricity bills and inflation, which he described as unacceptable.
He expressed that Jamaat-e-Islami’s patience is running thin and that the people of Pakistan are rallying behind their cause for justice. Rehman warned that if the government fails to fulfill its commitments, JI will not hesitate to intensify its protests across the country.
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During his address, Rehman also criticized the government’s handling of foreign affairs, advocated for improved relations with neighboring countries, and condemned the plight of missing persons in Balochistan, calling for their immediate recovery. He accused the current rulers of neglecting pressing domestic issues while seeking assistance from other countries, which he believes brings disrepute to Pakistan.
This warning follows a recent sit-in organized by Jamaat-e-Islami on Murree Road, which lasted for 14 days and concluded on August 9 after reaching an agreement with the government. The key points of the agreement include commitments to reduce taxes on the salaried class, lower electricity rates, and establish a more effective income tax system targeting landlords and landholders.
Rehman also criticized the government’s attempts to disrupt the protest through raids by Punjab Police on JI workers’ homes, asserting that these efforts were futile. He further called for constructive dialogue with Afghanistan and emphasized the need for Pakistan to strengthen its relations with its neighbors, countering the influence of countries like India and the United States.
