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Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has declared a nationwide demonstration scheduled for January 17 in response to the government’s inability to lower electricity prices.
During a press conference, JI Chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman expressed his discontent with the current economic conditions, stating that although the Prime Minister asserts improvements in the stock market and economic metrics, the costs of essential goods such as petrol and food remain unchanged.
He raised alarms regarding Independent Power Producers (IPPs), noting that even with their shutdowns, electricity bills have not seen a reduction. He accused the government of allocating Rs. 2 trillion to IPPs, granting them income tax exemptions, while imposing tax burdens on salaried individuals.
Hafiz Naeem called for reforms in the agricultural sector, urging the government to establish support prices for sugarcane and wheat, as billions of rupees worth of crops are being lost due to inadequate pricing.
He also emphasized the necessity for equitable compensation for farmers and criticized the government’s education policies, arguing that privatization is placing an undue burden on the public while compromising quality.
Additionally, he stated that there would be no extension of winter holidays in schools across Punjab.
Hafiz Naeem further accused political parties, including MQM and PPP, of colluding with the establishment for their own benefit, while ignoring the pressing issues facing Karachi. He also claimed that there was manipulation in local body elections, alleging that JI’s mandate was usurped.
