JI leader warns of expanding protest across Pakistan if demands ignored

RAWALPINDI: Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) leader Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman warned on Saturday that his party’s sit-in in Rawalpindi could spread across Pakistan if the government fails to address its demands regarding high electricity bills and rising taxes.

Speaking at the protest in Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi, Rehman stated, “If the government believes that this sit-in will be confined to Murree Road, they are mistaken. Should they fail to genuinely reduce electricity bills, address issues with independent power producers (IPPs), and remove the tax burden on the salaried class, this protest will not remain local; it will expand nationwide.”

The government had previously negotiated with JI to relocate the protest from D-Chowk in Islamabad’s Red Zone to Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi. This decision came after extensive talks between JI leaders and government officials. In the run-up to the demonstration, around 40 JI members were arrested for attempting to enter the capital.

The sit-in has caused significant disruptions: Murree Road from Mareer Chowk to Committee Chowk is closed to traffic, and the Metro Bus service has been suspended. The situation was further complicated by heightened security measures in anticipation of protests by both JI and PTI.

On Friday, containers were placed at various checkpoints and entry points to Islamabad, disrupting traffic and creating confusion among residents and travellers.

Although these containers have now been removed and traffic flow has largely normalised, security remains tight, with increased police presence at multiple locations throughout the capital.

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