Hafiz Naeemur Rehman congratulates the nation, particularly trader organizations, on success of shutter down strike
LAHORE, August 28 (SABAH): A nationwide shutter-down strike was observed on Wednesday, following the appeal by Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Emir Engineer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman.
Markets and businesses remained closed across major and smaller cities in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan.
The JI Emir congratulated the nation, particularly the trader organizations, on the success of the strike, stating it sent a strong message to the government to provide relief on electricity tariffs, eliminate unjust taxes on the business community, and establish a transparent mechanism to address these issues.
Speaking at a press conference in Mansoorah, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman noted that while this was the first call for a peaceful strike, JI would continue to escalate its efforts if the government fails to heed their demands. He warned that further strikes, as well as long marches and sit-ins in Islamabad, could be organized if necessary. “We have initiated discussions with trade organizations regarding our future strategy and will issue more calls for strikes if our demands are not fulfilled.”
He added that the government has 25 days to implement the agreement it had signed with JI after the 14-day sit-in. If the terms are not honored, JI would pursue all peaceful means of resistance to compel the government to act in the interest of the public, he said.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman criticized the ruling elite for their wastefulness and luxury at the expense of state resources, urging the imposition of taxes on feudal lords and the cancellation of unfair agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs). He also demanded a uniform power tariff that reflects the true cost of production, excluding the capacity charges levied by IPPs.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman condemned the pressure tactics used by police in various cities to coerce shopkeepers into opening their businesses, commending traders for their resilience. He praised the nationwide solidarity, particularly thanking the Karachi Chamber of Commerce for supporting the strike.
In response to a question, he stated that JI opposes tenure extensions for the heads of national institutions, including the judiciary. He urged the government to refrain from creating divisions within the judiciary by spreading rumors of a possible extension for the Chief Justice. Instead, he called for the judiciary to prioritize delivering justice to the people.
The JI Emir also criticized the government for delaying local government elections in Islamabad, arguing that Pakistan’s so-called democratic administrations have consistently failed to strengthen the local governance system. Strengthening local bodies, he affirmed, is part of JI’s national movement for rights.
Secretary General JI Ameerul Azim, Naib Emir JI Dr. Osama Razi, JI Information Secretary Qaiser Sharif, Emir JI Central Punjab Muhammad Javed Kasuri, Emir JI Lahore Ziauddin Ansari and Salman Sheikh were also present on the occasion.