Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, warned the government of intensified protests over what he described as ‘fascist tactics’. He stated that when the ruling class fails to fulfil its responsibilities, and the Parliament becomes nothing more than a rubber stamp, the public is forced to take to the streets.
Addressing the protest sit-in at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman underlined the immense sacrifice of the protesters. He reminded the audience that no one willingly leaves the comfort of their homes to sit on the streets, but they have done so for the sake of the country’s future and are determined to stay until their demands are met.
Rehman criticized the hidden agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), which implicated the ruling class. He called for properly functioning IPPs to continue operating while insisting that non-performing ones should be shut down completely.
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Rehman reiterated that the state holds authority over every agreement, and those who make unauthorized agreements should face public punishment. He lambasted the government for setting the minimum wage at Rs37,000, challenging them to manage household expenses, electricity bills, and inflation at that rate.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman questioned whether the poor should resort to suicide due to economic hardships. He called for political resistance and urged the youth, lawyers, scholars, and civil society of Pakistan to join the movement. He highlighted their basic demands, including reducing electricity prices, ending the slab system, and abolishing taxes on salaried individuals.
Rehman also mentioned the burden of taxes on educated individuals, business people, and farmers, emphasizing the need for debt relief. He hinted at possible sit-ins across Pakistan and noted that they will continue to press for their rights through protests and negotiations.
Lastly, he emphasized that mere lip service will not be sufficient, and Jamaat-e-Islami will persist until public issues are resolved.
