Govt fascist tactics won’t succeed, will enter & hold sit-in at Islamabad D-Chowk: Hafiz Naeemur Rehman

LAHORE/GUJRANWALA, July25 (SABAH): Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has issued a stern warning to the government, asserting that its fascist tactics to suppress peaceful protesters will not succeed.

Rehman declared that the JI would enter Islamabad and hold sit-in at D-Chowk on Friday.”We believe in peaceful resistance for the rights of the people. Holding a sit-in is our constitutional and democratic right,” Rehman stated while speaking to journalists in Lahore.

He also visited the sit-in preparation camp in Gujranwala, demanding that the government provide relief to the public in terms of electricity tariffs and unfair taxes or be prepared to face the consequences. He emphasized that the government would be held accountable for any situation that arises if it creates obstacles for the protesters.

He warned that the protest demonstrations would spread across the country if the government blocks the JI protesters’ entry to Islamabad. Rehman extended an invitation to traders, shopkeepers, government and private sector employees, farmers, laborers, and all segments of society to join the JI protest. He also welcomed the participation of any political party, inviting their workers to be part of the sit-in.

He criticized the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) agreements as unfair and unjust, saying they burden the masses while securing billions for the IPPs’ owners, many of whom are in the government. He called for a review of the IPPs agreements, stating that people are no longer willing to pay the massive bills. He demanded that the government reduce electricity tariffs, eliminate the slab system in billing, and end taxes on salaried persons and food items. Rehman said the ruling elite was enjoying luxuries, including free petrol, electricity, and gas at state expense.

Meanwhile, police crackdowns and arrests continue across the country, targeting JI leaders and workers. Hundreds of JI members have been arrested, with police conducting raids on their homes.

JI Secretary General Emirul Azim warned the government that the JI is undeterred by the government’s fascist tactics and is determined to proceed to Islamabad. He condemned the police raids on homes, calling them a violation of human rights and accusing the government of using fascist tactics. He demanded the immediate release of the detained workers.