Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has announced nationwide protests on January 17, demanding immediate action to lower electricity prices. Party chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman revealed the plan during a press conference in Lahore, highlighting the growing economic challenges faced by ordinary citizens.
Hafiz Naeem criticized the government for failing to reduce electricity bills despite the shutdown of Independent Power Producers (IPPs). He pointed out that the closure of IPPs should have brought relief to people, but electricity prices remain high. The situation, he said, adds to the public’s financial burdens amid rising petrol and food costs.
The JI leader also raised concerns about the government’s decision to exempt IPPs from income taxes while citizens continue to face heavy taxation. He called this move unjust and urged authorities to focus on policies that ease the financial pressure on the public.
Hafiz Naeem stressed the need for immediate support for the agricultural sector, which is struggling due to unregulated pricing of crops like sugarcane and wheat. He warned that without intervention, the sector could suffer severe losses, affecting both farmers and the economy.
He also criticized the rising costs of education, blaming the government for shifting the financial burden onto the private sector. This trend, he warned, could widen socio-economic inequalities and make education inaccessible to many.
On the political front, Hafiz Naeem urged an end to military involvement in politics. He criticized both ruling and opposition parties for maintaining ties with the military, which he said contributes to political instability, particularly in Karachi.
Internationally, he condemned Israel’s actions in Palestine, accusing the country of genocide supported by the United States. He also highlighted the security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and called for peace talks with Afghanistan to improve regional stability.
Hafiz Naeem concluded by urging the government to focus on national unity and tackle the critical issues of economic hardships, political instability, and international relations. He emphasized that the people need relief and solutions to their pressing problems without further delay.
