Govt will bear full responsibility for any escalation in tensions if it hesitates to implement the Rawalpindi Agreement, warns Hafiz Naeemur Rehman

GUJRANWALA, Sep 06 (SABAH): Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Emir Engineer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has warned that the government will bear full responsibility for any escalation in tensions if it hesitates to implement the Rawalpindi Agreement.

Speaking at a workers’ convention on Friday, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said that the JI is in consultation with traders regarding a potential three-day shutter-down strike. “We may also consider a wheel-jam strike, and discussions with transporters are already underway,” he added. Hafiz Naeemur Rehman stressed that the government has only 16 days to act on the agreement or face a strong public reaction. He reaffirmed JI’s commitment to pressuring the government to lower power tariffs and eliminate unjust taxes on the salaried class, while also calling for the expansion of the tax net to include the feudal elite. Furthermore, he urged a review of agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and condemned the extravagant lifestyles of the ruling class, which he said are sustained by public funds.

The JI Emir said that the party has embarked on a nationwide membership drive with the ambitious target of recruiting five million new members. Once completed, JI plans to form public committees and mobilize the masses to fight for their rights. The movement’s priorities will include strengthening democracy, upholding the rule of law, ensuring freedom of speech, and providing universal access to health and education. Hafiz Naeeemur Rehman emphasized the importance of women’s rights, youth empowerment, land reforms, and electoral reforms as central to JI’s agenda.

He also insisted that only governments with legitimate results, specifically through Form 45, should be recognized. He said that the PML-N, PPP, and MQM came to power through fraudulent means of Form 47.

Later in the day, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman inaugurated a membership camp in the city and addressed the media. JI Central Punjab Emir Javed Kasuri and JI Gujranwala Emir Mazhar Randhawa were also present at the event.