Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman Urges Pakistan PM to Lower Electricity Prices
Karachi, Pakistan – Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan (JI) chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has called on Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to reduce electricity prices before the situation escalates. He emphasized the need to address the people’s demands immediately.
Speaking at a gathering during a sit-in outside the Governor House in Karachi, Naeem-ur-Rehman said, “We do not want confrontation, but if the people rise and besiege the rulers, who will be responsible when things go out of hand?” He urged the government to recognize Jamaat-e-Islami’s demands as the legitimate rights of the people.
He warned that similar protests would be held at the Governor Houses in Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta, and highways across the nation would be blocked if the demands were not met. The JI chief stressed that their movement aims to remove oppressive rulers and outlined a seven-point agenda in the first phase of their campaign.
Naeem-ur-Rehman demanded a reduction in electricity prices and the issuance of bills based on actual costs. He stated, “Before we appeal to the public not to pay their electricity bills, the rulers should take sensible action.” He also mentioned that even a worker from Jamaat-e-Islami could debate with the Prime Minister, but the government had no answers.
He warned that if decisions were made based on Form 45, PM Shehbaz Sharif, his family, and the entire coalition government would have to step down. Naeem-ur-Rehman accused the negotiation team of considering Jamaat-e-Islami’s demands feasible during meetings but denying them in front of the media.
JI Karachi Chief Munim Zafar Khan stated that the sit-in in Rawalpindi had become the voice of Pakistan and that the protest at Karachi’s Governor House would continue. He criticized the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) for making life difficult for the public and accused the government of collecting unfair taxes.
On the 10th day of the sit-in at Liaquat Bagh, Jamaat-e-Islami leaders pledged to continue their protest until their demands were met. JI Vice President Liaqat Baloch emphasized that the protest had become a national movement, with participation from various sectors, including traders, industrialists, youth, farmers, laborers, women, and students. He stated, “This sit-in is sending a message to 250 million people, and the public has high expectations for relief from this protest.”
Doubts Revealed
Jamaat-e-Islami -: Jamaat-e-Islami is a political and religious organization in Pakistan. It works to promote Islamic values and has a significant influence in Pakistani politics.
Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman -: Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman is the leader of Jamaat-e-Islami in Pakistan. He is actively involved in political and social issues in the country.
Pakistan PM -: Pakistan PM refers to the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The current Prime Minister is Shehbaz Sharif, who is responsible for running the government.
Electricity Prices -: Electricity prices are the cost people have to pay for using electricity in their homes and businesses. High prices can make it difficult for people to afford basic needs.
Governor House -: The Governor House is the official residence of the Governor in a province of Pakistan. In this case, it is located in Karachi, a major city in Pakistan.
Independent Power Producers (IPPs) -: Independent Power Producers are private companies that generate electricity and sell it to the government or directly to consumers. They play a key role in the energy sector.
Nationwide Protests -: Nationwide protests are large gatherings of people across the country who come together to express their demands or dissatisfaction with the government or certain policies.
