Karachi: Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, the head of the Karachi chapter of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), has called for a citywide shutdown on September 19 (Tuesday) to protest against rising inflation and skyrocketing electricity bills.
During a press conference, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman urged the people of Karachi to participate in a comprehensive protest throughout the metropolis on September 19, effectively blocking major roadways. Later in the day, the JI leader is scheduled to address a sit-in protest on Shahrah-e-Faisal.
The JI leader warned the caretaker government to reduce petroleum product prices or face consequences. He stated that his party’s supporters would gather at 15 specified locations on Tuesday evening to create traffic disruptions.
He strongly criticized the caretaker government, describing it as a continuation of the previous coalition government’s legacy. He pointed out that the caretaker government had increased petroleum product prices for the third time in a single month, which he found illogical, particularly when the US dollar was losing value.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman stressed that the people were nearing their breaking point and accused the country of being controlled by powerful interest groups, who would be the first to escape if the nation faced a crisis. He called on the masses to stand up for their rights.
He also mentioned that the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan had taken office and suggested that it would be a test of his commitment to justice if he initiated legal action on the rising petroleum prices. The party also intends to write a letter to the chief justice on this matter.
Furthermore, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman demanded that the Caretaker Prime Minister eliminate subsidies and privileges for the elite class and set an example by using a 1000 CC car. He urged judges and generals to follow suit. He also called for an immediate end to free petrol or electricity and related perks for all public sector officials and officeholders.
He appealed to the masses to join a prolonged struggle against injustice and oppression, emphasizing that this was the only way forward in the current circumstances.