Hafiz Naeem Warns of Road Sit-In if JI Rally Is Not Allowed

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has said authorities are refusing to grant permission for a public rally at Liaquat Bagh, warning that his party would sit on Islamabad’s main roads if permission is not granted. He said Pakistan’s electoral system suffers from serious flaws and that deteriorating conditions are forcing young people to consider leaving the country. He added that while public issues remain important, JI has continued to raise its voice against injustice and oppression.

Hafiz Naeem said his party had pressured the government into shutting down Independent Power Producers (IPPs), while questioning various charges imposed on consumers. He criticized what he described as continued anti-people decisions by the government and called for cuts in government expenditure. He questioned why officials could not use smaller 1,300cc vehicles and argued that taxes should be collected from wealthy and influential people rather than placing the burden primarily on ordinary citizens.

The JI chief said collecting taxes from the wealthy would bring more money into the country and strengthen the economy. He also criticized the lack of an effective public transport system and said consumers were being charged for electricity that was not even being generated. Hafiz Naeem urged the government to review its policies and reduce the financial burden on the public.