Jamaat-e-Islami plans nationwide protest on September 29

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has declared a nationwide sit-in on main roads for September 29 to protest the government’s failure to implement the Rawalpindi Agreement. Speaking at a press conference in Mansoorah on Tuesday, he noted that the 45-day deadline for the agreement lapsed on September 23, and the government has not provided any public relief.

Naeem ur Rehman mentioned that JI plans to hold a public referendum from October 23 to October 27, urging people to boycott electricity bills, and will announce their subsequent actions based on the results.

Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman highlighted that JI is considering options like a wheel-jam strike and a long march to Islamabad to pressure the government into offering relief on power bills. He called for a uniform electricity tariff, the cancellation of contracts with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and an end to the extravagant lifestyles of the ruling elite funded by state resources.

He demanded taxation on feudal lords, tax relief for salaried individuals, and the abolition of unjust taxes on traders. Rehman asserted that JI believes the ruling parties came to power through electoral fraud, but as they hold power, JI will continue to push for public relief.

He expressed support for the recent Supreme Court ruling on special seats, rejected the government’s proposed constitutional amendment, and urged opposition parties to do the same. He also called for the release of all political prisoners, including Imran Khan.

Additionally, he announced that JI will observe Palestine and Lebanon Solidarity Week from October 7, with a Gaza Million March planned in Karachi on October 6, followed by nationwide protests on October 7. He urged the government to officially recognize October 7 as a national day of solidarity with the Palestinian people and their freedom fighters, appealing to the public to join the demonstrations at noon on that day.

Rehman held a small number of influential families accountable for the country’s current issues, noting that just 4% of growers own 40% of Pakistan’s agricultural land. He emphasized that the nation’s situation cannot improve without addressing corruption among the elite. He suggested the government reduce petrol prices to Rs. 150 per liter, as global oil prices have fallen to $70 per barrel.