Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has announced its plans to launch nationwide protests against the escalating electricity prices, with sit-ins and demonstrations scheduled for January 31. During a press conference at Idara Noor-e-Haq, JI leader Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman declared that the party would take to the streets if the government fails to reduce electricity bills.
Hafiz Naeem warned the government that failure to address the issue would lead to a larger and more powerful movement. “Our single agenda is to lower electricity bills,” he emphasized, calling for a thorough review of agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs). He questioned why the public and industries had not benefited from the termination of contracts with five IPPs, pointing out that these agreements have not resulted in tangible relief for the people.
In addition to the issue of rising electricity prices, Hafiz Naeem criticized the recent salary increase for parliamentarians, calling it “unjustified” amid Pakistan’s ongoing economic crisis. He expressed his disappointment with the government’s actions, stating that while lawmakers’ salaries were raised, no relief was provided to the public.
The JI leader also took aim at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), accusing the party of backing down on its demand for fresh elections. He argued that PTI’s stance only provided relief to the government, and he dismissed Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s call for new elections as misguided.
Furthermore, Hafiz Naeem expressed his opposition to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), which he claimed infringes on fundamental rights, further fueling his party’s position against the current government’s policies.
With the January 31 protests looming, Jamaat-e-Islami is intensifying its campaign to pressure the government on key issues impacting the public.
