Hafiz Naeem Announces Nationwide Strike on September 29

In a significant development, Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has declared a nationwide strike scheduled for September 29. This announcement came during an online emergency meeting of Jamaat-e-Islami leaders held in Mansoora, where Hafiz Naeem expressed his dissatisfaction with the government's failure to implement the Rawalpindi agreement. He criticized the rulers for making what he termed as 'false statements' in front of the media, claiming that only a few cosmetic measures have been taken in the past 45 days, despite promises of full implementation of the agreement.

Hafiz Naeem emphasized that the Jamaat-e-Islami does not accept the government's current measures and is demanding immediate relief for citizens regarding electricity bills. He pointed out the need for a uniform tariff across the country, which should reflect the actual production cost of electricity. Furthermore, he called for the termination of contracts with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), urging the government to take practical steps rather than merely issuing statements in newspapers.

In addition to the strike, Hafiz Naeem announced that Jamaat-e-Islami will conduct a referendum concerning the boycott of electricity bills. This referendum is set to take place over five days, from October 23 to 27, during which voting boxes will be placed in public areas. The party plans to form election commissions in all provinces to oversee the referendum process, and they will reach out to students, mosques, and madrasahs to encourage participation.

Moreover, the JI leader mentioned that options for a wheel jam strike and a long march towards Islamabad in October are also being considered. This indicates a growing frustration among the populace regarding the rising electricity costs and the government's inability to address these issues effectively.

As the situation unfolds, it is clear that Jamaat-e-Islami is mobilizing its supporters to voice their concerns over electricity pricing and government accountability. The upcoming strike and referendum could serve as a pivotal moment for citizens to express their grievances and demand change. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to these calls for action and whether they will take the necessary steps to alleviate the burden on the people.