Hafiz Naeemur Rehman Leads Protests in Pakistan Against Load Shedding and Budget
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has announced a ‘resistance movement’ with protests across Pakistan against prolonged load shedding and the recent budget, which they termed not ‘people-friendly’.
Protests and National Agenda
Speaking in Lahore, JI leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman stated that the party plans peaceful resistance protests. He emphasized that JI supports freedom of expression and aligns with the 250 million people of Pakistan. The protests will focus on public issues, with a demonstration outside electricity distribution company offices on June 28. Rehman urged the government to engage in dialogue.
Criticism of ‘Operation Azm-i-Istehkam’
Rehman criticized ‘Operation Azm-i-Istehkam’, a national counter-terrorism campaign, stating it creates a gap between people and institutions. He highlighted the economic loss of over USD 200 billion due to the war on terror and called for meaningful negotiations with Afghanistan to prevent terrorist activities.
Recent Protests in Karachi
On June 22, residents in Karachi protested against prolonged load shedding, storming a K-Electric customer care center and causing employees to flee. The protest turned violent, with residents blocking roads and clashing with K-Electric employees. Similar protests occurred in other areas of Karachi, with residents demanding an end to load shedding and cable faults.
