Hafiz Naeemur Rehman reiterates JI’s demand for nationwide relief on electricity tariffs
LAHORE, August 22 (SABAH): Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Emir Engineer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has said that Nawaz Sharif, despite serving as prime minister, has played provincial politics on the issue of electricity tariff by announcing so-called relief to the people of Punjab. Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said that the people of Punjab do not need charity for two months, the actual cost of electricity should be determined and the same tariff should be applied in the entire country.
Addressing a press conference along with Naib Emir JI Dr. Osama Razi and JI Information Secretary Qaisar Sharif at Mansoorah on Thursday, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman reiterated JI’s demand for nationwide relief on electricity tariffs and announced a countrywide shutter-down strike scheduled for August 28.
He said that JI will launch a membership campaign across the country starting on September 1. He emphasized that the party’s mass mobilization efforts will focus on a broad agenda, including electoral and land reforms, education and healthcare for all, democracy, the issue of missing persons, the rule of law, and freedom of speech.
He criticized the government for targeting youth under the pretext of digital terrorism, warning that such actions would only exacerbate existing crises. While acknowledging that there should be limits on spreading hate in the name of religion or threatening the country’s sovereignty, he firmly opposed efforts to stifle freedom of speech and manipulate narratives through coercive tactics.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman condemned the government’s approach of slowing down and shutting off internet access, stating that this intrusion into individual privacy was unacceptable. He highlighted the significant impact on the livelihoods of millions, particularly the youth, who rely on freelancing and digital services for their income.
When asked about PTI’s stance on Form 47, he pointed out that the party had compromised on its previous position. He explained that PTI is now demanding fresh elections, stepping back from its earlier demand for an election rigging inquiry based on Form 45. JI; however, maintains its firm stance on both Form 47 and the events of May 9. He called for a judicial commission to investigate both matters.
In response to another question, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said that the inquiry into former ISI chief Faiz Hameed’s institutional matters was an internal issue of Pakistan Army. However, if Hameed was involved in political interference or corruption, the public should be informed. He emphasized that every institution, including the Pakistan Army, must ensure transparent accountability, particularly against those who involved in corruption and smuggling.
He condemned the administration’s actions in vacating students from the hostels of the International Islamic University and expressed the JI’s support for the students’ cause. He affirmed that JI would prioritize the youth and actively recruit women during the upcoming membership campaign. He concluded by vowing that with the people’s support, JI would bring about real change in the country.
Earlier, addressing the leadership convention for the workers of the JI central Punjab chapter, he advised workers spread the message of the JI and mobilise public for their rights. This campaign, he added, is part of the JI’s national movement “Haq do Pakistan ko.”
Secretary General JI Ameerul Azim, Emir JI Central Punjab Javed Kasuri, Emir JI Lahore Ziauddin Ansari Advocate, leadership of various districts and tehsils were also present on this occasion.
Emir Jamaat had reached Mansoorah after visiting Sindh and Balochistan. He is meeting with the local leadership of Jamaat-e-Islami to organize a nationwide membership campaign and a peaceful national resistance movement and instructions are being issued to them to mobilize the people and especially the youth. He will address the leadership conventions of Punjab South, Punjab North in the coming days and will visit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province later.