Hafiz Naeem Announces Nationwide Protests and Strike Over High Electricity Bills

In Rawalpindi, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, the Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, declared that the ongoing protest will escalate starting August 8, with a nationwide strike scheduled to follow after August 14.
Addressing a press conference during a protest against high electricity tariffs, Hafiz Naeem demanded the termination and revision of certain agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and called for a forensic audit of all such agreements. He criticized the exorbitant electricity bills, stating that they have disrupted household budgets and urged that bills be adjusted according to actual electricity costs.
Naeem also expressed frustration over the government’s negotiation committee, accusing it of taking too long to prepare and disappearing without progress. He suggested that an advertisement should be issued to locate the committee. He added that the government is troubled by the ongoing protests, which are hindering its luxuries. He proposed including the Auditor General of Pakistan, the Chairman of WAPDA, the Federal Chamber of Commerce, and consumer representatives in the negotiation committee.
The Jamaat-e-Islami leader announced a series of demonstrations, including a major march on Murree Road on August 8, a large protest and rally outside the Chief Minister’s House in Lahore on August 11, and a similar event in Peshawar on August 12. He also announced a call for a nationwide shutter-down strike, with a complete strike planned for after August 14.
In response to a question, Hafiz Naeem clarified that toppling the government is not currently on their agenda, but he implied that it would depend on the government’s actions whether they are pushed in that direction.