JI protest: No backing out from fighting for people’s rights, Hafiz Naeem

ISLAMABAD: Vowing to stand up for the rights of the people, the leader of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, announced that they will not back down and continue with their protest till their demands are met.

Addressing a public gathering at Murree Road, Hafiz Naeem announcing a grand rally tomorrow at Murre Road criticized the government for not being sincere in its dialogue efforts, stating, that they proposed negotiations with individuals who are not even present in the country.

“If the government is serious, it must provide relief to the people”, he said.

Hafiz Naeem outlined the demands of Jamaat-e-Islami, emphasizing that they are legitimate and necessary for the welfare of the citizens. “Traders and industrialists have told us that they no longer have the strength to keep factories running,” he noted, highlighting the growing economic despair.

He further stated, “We cannot leave Pakistan to descend into chaos. Our protest will remain peaceful, and we have transformed our sit-in into multiple demonstrations to maintain order. We could have marched to D-Chowk, but we chose restraint.”

Jamaat-e-Islami leader vowing not to end the protest until their demands are met warned the government not to underestimate the resolve of the demonstrators. “We will not hold a sit-in for just four days. We will sit daily and devise our strategy,” he asserted.

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Criticizing the Punjab government for arresting party workers, Hafiz Naeem revealed, “Over 250 of our workers are currently detained in Punjab. We demand their immediate release and condemn the Punjab government’s fascist behavior.”

He expressed reservations about the government’s negotiation committee and stated, “The names proposed by the government for negotiations are concerning. We will announce our representatives once the government names its committee.”

Hafiz Naeem also addressed the energy crisis, calling for accountability of Independent Power Producers (IPPs). “We want to rein in the IPPs, which have been draining the public’s resources. Many IPPs have completed their terms but continue to operate,” he said, demanding the termination of expired contracts.

He accused IPP owners of having vested interests in every government, asserting that Jamaat-e-Islami’s protest aims to bring about a historic change. “The public is suffering. We want to reduce electricity prices and will not return on superficial measures,” Hafiz Naeem declared.