Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has congratulated the nation particularly the trader organizations on successful nationwide shutter-down strike on Wednesday following his appeal. Markets and businesses remained closed across major and smaller cities in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. Addressing a press conference in Mansoorah, Hafiz Naeem u Rehman said that the strike sent a strong message to the government to provide relief on electricity tariffs, eliminate unjust taxes on the business community, and establish a transparent mechanism to address these issues. He noted that while this was the first call for a peaceful strike, JI would continue to escalate its efforts if the government fails to heed their demands. He warned that further strikes, as well as long marches and sit-ins in Islamabad, could be organized if necessary.

“We have initiated discussions with trade organizations regarding our future strategy and will issue more calls for strikes if our demands are not fulfilled.” The JI chief stated that the government has 25 days to implement the agreement it had signed with JI after the 14-day sit-in. If the terms are not honored, JI would pursue all peaceful means of resistance to compel the government to act in the interest of the public, he said. He criticized the ruling elite for their wastefulness and luxury at the expense of state resources, urging the imposition of taxes on feudal lords and the cancellation of unfair agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs). He also demanded a uniform power tariff that reflects the true cost of production, excluding the capacity charges levied by IPPs. Naeem ur Rehman condemned the pressure tactics used by police in various cities to coerce shopkeepers into opening their businesses, commending traders for their resilience.

He praised the nationwide solidarity, particularly thanking the Karachi Chamber of Commerce for supporting the strike. Responding to a question, he stated that JI opposes tenure extensions for the heads of national institutions, including the judiciary. He urged the government to refrain from creating divisions within the judiciary by spreading rumors of a possible extension for the Chief Justice. Instead, he called for the judiciary to prioritize delivering justice to the people. The JI chief also criticized the government for delaying local government elections in Islamabad, arguing that Pakistan's so-called democratic administrations have consistently failed to strengthen the local governance system. Strengthening local bodies, he affirmed, is part of JI's national movement for rights.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan