Jamaat-e-Islami’s Amir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman Warns Prime Minister of Growing Public Discontent
Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, the Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami, has issued a stern warning to the Prime Minister, stating that if the government fails to address public demands, the growing sit-in movement could potentially endanger his premiership. Speaking at a protest outside the Governor’s House in Karachi, Naeem-ur-Rehman emphasized the urgency of the situation and the widespread dissatisfaction among citizens.
“If the Prime Minister wants to avoid public outrage, he must address public demands,” said Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman. He highlighted the possibility of the protests spreading across the country, from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Balochistan, if the government’s inaction continues.
Criticism of Government’s Inconsistent Messaging
The Amir criticized the conflicting statements made by the Prime Minister and government ministers. He pointed out a significant discrepancy between their private acknowledgments and public denials of the feasibility of Jamaat-e-Islami’s proposals.
“In meetings, they claim our party’s proposals are feasible, yet publicly, they deny their viability,” Hafiz Naeem remarked. He stressed that reducing electricity bills is a critical step for the government to provide relief to the masses, adding that the current approach is insufficient.
Tax Burden on Salaried Individuals
Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman also voiced strong criticism of the tax system, highlighting the undue burden placed on salaried individuals. He pointed out that these citizens are paying Rs. 368 billion in taxes, effectively bearing the brunt of the financial load, while income tax remains uncollected from landlords.
“This situation is no longer acceptable,” he stated firmly. The Amir called for a more equitable tax system that does not disproportionately impact one segment of society, urging the government to take corrective measures.
Protests Across Pakistan
The leader of Jamaat-e-Islami reiterated his warning that if the government continues to ignore their demands, the protests will expand beyond Karachi, reaching Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He urged the Prime Minister to heed the public’s demands to avoid jeopardizing his position.
Jamaat-e-Islami is also actively conducting a sit-in in Rawalpindi, protesting against Independent Power Producers (IPPs), high electricity prices, and additional taxes on the salaried class. The ongoing sit-ins reflect the party’s commitment to advocating for the rights of ordinary citizens.
Nationwide Protests Reflect Growing Dissent
The protests by Jamaat-e-Islami are part of a broader wave of dissent across Pakistan, highlighting widespread frustration over economic policies and governance. With the government facing increasing pressure from various sectors, the current situation underscores the need for urgent dialogue and solutions.
The political landscape in Pakistan is fraught with tension, and the coming days will likely see further developments as Jamaat-e-Islami continues its campaign for change.