Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan Ameer, Engr Hafiz NaeemurRehman, has announced a series of protests and demonstrations to observe “Gaza Week” from October 1 to 7. Key events will include the Gaza Million March in Karachi on October 6, followed by a countrywide protest on October 7. The announcement was made during a press conference at Idara Noor-e-Haq. Rehman called on the government to observe October 7 as a National Day of Solidarity with Palestine. He urged citizens to join the demonstrations at noon on October 7 in support of Palestinian freedom fighters. JI Karachi AmeerMonemZafar and other leaders were also present at the press briefing. On domestic issues, NaeemurRehman criticized the government’s failure to provide relief to the people, particularly regarding the Independent Power Producers (IPP) agreement, which has now expired. He announced that JI would reveal its future course of action on Tuesday, including potential plans for a wheel jam strike, a march to Islamabad, and a call to withhold electricity bill payments.
Rehman further condemned the government’s lavish spending, calling for a reduction in expenses and urging the ruling elite to share the tax burden with feudal lords.
He also demanded an end to capacity payments to IPPs, which he labeled as an unnecessary strain on the country’s economy. He also highlighted the issue of K-Electric, accusing the government of protecting the company despite its alleged financial mismanagement. He called for a forensic audit of K-Electric’s accounts and criticized the government’s inaction on the matter.
Addressing the broader socio-economic situation, Rehman blamed a small number of powerful families for the country’s struggles, noting that only 4% of landowners control 40 percent of the agricultural land. He argued that meaningful change in the country’s condition requires dismantling the corrupt elite system. Rehman also urged the government to reduce petrol prices to Rs150 per liter, citing the international dip in oil prices to $70 per barrel.
He praised MonemZafar and MPA Muhammad Farooq for challenging the Sindh government’s purchase of luxury vehicles for bureaucrats. On judicial reforms, Rehman expressed concerns over the government’s motives, suggesting that it may be trying to manipulate the judiciary through non-transparent means.
