Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, the Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, has called for a nationwide shutter-down strike on August 28 to protest against the soaring electricity bills and inflation. He made this announcement during a rally in Multan, where he criticized the government for burdening the public with excessive electricity costs.
Hafiz Naeem emphasized that the people can no longer endure the luxuries and privileges enjoyed by the rulers while they struggle with rising expenses. He stated that the public is now fully aware and will not remain silent.
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Rejecting any notion of an agreement with the government, he vowed that the protests will continue until their demands are met. He warned that if the government fails to address these issues, Jamaat-e-Islami will lead a march to Islamabad to escalate their protest.
He also dismissed the recent announcement of a Rs 14 per unit reduction in electricity prices, urging the public to recognize who is genuinely standing up for their rights. He made it clear that his party will not tolerate high electricity prices under any circumstances.
Hafiz Naeem suggested that gradually eliminating interest-based practices could offer some relief regarding electricity bills. He also pointed out that political parties like PTI, PML-N, PPP, and MQM, which united for the extension of former army chief Gen. (retired) Qamar Javed Bajwa’s tenure, have failed to come together for the sake of public welfare.
Finally, he issued a stern warning that if the demands are not addressed within 37 days, the public will be called upon to join a long march to Islamabad from all directions.
