Jamiat-e-Islam announces nationwide protests against rising prices

Rawalpindi: Hafiz Na’eem Rahman, the leader of Jamiat-e-Islam, declared that the party will initiate protests in Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta in two days if immediate demands are not met regarding inflation issues.
Speaking at a press conference during the ongoing sit-in in Rawalpindi, Hafiz Na’eem Rahman expressed that the public is disheartened by soaring electricity bills but is now satisfied as their voices are being heard through the protests. He emphasized that it is the duty of political parties to raise the voice of the people, and Jamiat-e-Islam has stepped forward to represent the public.
He highlighted the historical significance of the protests as a message of courage and perseverance. Rahman noted an increased participation of women in the protests, except in Lahore where women were reportedly barred from attending a recent meeting, citing familial political control in both the federal and Punjab governments.
Rahman criticized attempts to deter women from participating, labeling such actions as cowardly. He underscored the economic struggles faced by households, pushing many to take on two jobs just to make ends meet. Additionally, he urged the government not to worsen the situation and to reveal the true terms of International Monetary Fund agreements.
Rahman demanded an end to hefty salaries for officials and advocated for the immediate cessation of all additional taxes, especially those burdening the public through electricity bills. He also called for a halt to the use of luxury government vehicles and the withdrawal of exorbitant perks for officials.
Moreover, Rahman asserted that negotiations should be transparent and revisited. He pointed out that the demands put forth are justified and should be accepted by all political parties and their workers. He called upon traders, industrialists, and businessmen to express gratitude for participating in the protests, emphasizing that the sole purpose of the sit-ins is to reduce prices of electricity and petrol, which have been affected by inflation, causing a strain of 2.628 trillion on the public.
Furthermore, he stressed the need to discuss agreements with China, suggesting that International Monetary Fund taxes should be levied on the rich rather than on the general public. He reiterated that their demands are straightforward and should be accepted promptly.
In concluding remarks, Rahman directed workers to focus on their demands rather than being embroiled in conflicts with other parties. He affirmed that the protest represents the entire nation and extended invitations to all political parties to join in solidarity.