LAHORE: Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Tuesday announced a nationwide sit-in on Sept 29 in protest against the “government’s failure” to fulfill the promises made in the Rawalpindi agreement with the party.

Addressing a press conference here at Mansoorah, the JI emir said though the 45-day deadline for fulfilling the promises expired on Monday, the government failed to provide any relief to the public.

“The JI will also conduct a public referendum from Oct 23 to 27 for boycotting [payment of] electricity bills and will announce its future course of action accordingly,” he said.

Rehman said the JI was also considering options such as a wheel-jam strike and a long march on Islamabad to compel the government to provide relief to the public on power bills.

He demanded a uniform electricity tariff, the cancellation of agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and an end to the luxurious lifestyle enjoyed by the ruling elite at the expense of state resources.

He called for imposing taxes on feudal lords, provision of tax relief to the salaried persons, and abolishing unjust taxes on the trading community.

Expressing his full support for the recent Supreme Court judgment on reserved seats, he rejected the constitutional package proposed by the government and urged the opposition parties to do the same. He also called for the release of all political prisoners, including Imran Khan.

Moreover, he announced that the JI would observe a ‘Palestine and Lebanon Solidarity Week’ from Oct 7, after a ‘Gaza Million March’ scheduled in Karachi for Oct 6, followed by nationwide protests.

He urged the government to officially observe Oct 7 as a national day of solidarity with the people of Palestine. He appealed to the nation to take to the streets at 12 noon on Oct 7 to express their solidarity with their Palestinian brothers and sisters.

Rehman deplored that only four percent feudal elite owned 40 percent of the agricultural land in Pakistan, stressing that the nation’s condition cannot be improved without addressing the corrupt elite.

He suggested that the government reduce petrol prices to Rs150 per litre, as international price of oil have already dropped to $70 per barrel.

Responding to a question, Rehman remarked that politicians and political parties that have historically sought support from the military establishment are responsible for its interference in political matters. He said a peaceful mass movement is essential for the strengthening of democracy, adding that the JI is striving towards this goal.

He also criticised the Election Commission, describing it as partisan and incapable of fulfilling its duties.

Published in Dawn, September 25th, 2024