Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has voiced the party’s demand for the removal of protocol privileges for the rulers. Speaking in Karachi, Mr. Rehman emphasized the need to impose taxes on feudalists and cease the unrestricted use of electricity and fuel. He stated that the public would only support the rulers if they relinquished such perks. Mr. Rehman further called for a reduction in petroleum and power prices, highlighting the urgency of curbing rampant inflation.
Additionally, he urged strong action against sugar and flour mafias. Mr. Rehman criticized Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, cautioning against misleading the nation amidst surging power and electricity costs.
In a hopeful tone, he asserted that the people of Karachi could not be divided based on language. Meanwhile, JI Emir Sirajul Haq, in Lahore, lamented the severe economic hardships imposed on the people due to skyrocketing inflation. He pointed out that the caretaker and previous governments were aligned with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in their policies, calling on citizens to rally for their rights.
Highlighting the struggle of ordinary citizens to afford even two meals a day, Mr. Haq announced that the JI would stage a protest outside the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor House on September 18. He stressed the necessity of cooperating with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to ensure transparent elections within the constitutional 90-day term. Mr. Haq expressed concern over inflated bills and soaring gas prices, questioning where the masses would turn as electricity prices surged by up to 80 percent and further increases of up to 50 percent were announced. He also criticized the unchecked influence of various mafias in the country.
