JI demands nationwide relief on electricity tariff

LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has said Nawaz Sharif, despite serving as prime minister, has played provincial politics on the issue of electricity tariff by announcing a so-called relief to the people of Punjab.

Speaking at a press conference at Mansoorah on Thursday, he reiterated the JI demand for a nationwide relief on electricity tariff and announced a countrywide shutdown for August 28. He said that JI would launch a membership campaign across the country, starting on September 1. He emphasized that the party’s mass mobilization efforts would focus on a broad agenda including electoral and land reforms, education and healthcare for all, democracy, the issue of missing persons, the rule of law and freedom of speech. He criticized the government for targeting youths on the pretext of digital terrorism, warning that such actions would only exacerbate existing crises.

Acknowledging that there should be limits on spreading hate in the name of religion or threatening the country’s sovereignty, he opposed efforts to stifle freedom of speech and manipulate narratives through coercive tactics. He condemned the government approach of slowing down and shutting down internet access, stating that this intrusion into individual privacy was unacceptable. He highlighted the significant impact on the livelihoods of millions, particularly youths who rely on freelancing and digital services for their income.

When asked about the PTI stance on Form 47, he pointed out that the party had compromised on its previous position. He said the PTI was now demanding fresh elections, stepping back from its earlier demand for an election rigging inquiry based on Form 45. The JI, however, maintains its firm stance on both Form 47 and the events of May 9. He called for a judicial commission to investigate both matters. In response to another question, he said the inquiry into former ISI chief Faiz Hameed’s institutional matters was an internal issue of the Pakistan Army. If Faiz is involved in political interference or corruption, the public should be informed. He emphasized that every institution, including the Pakistan Army, must ensure transparent accountability, particularly against those who involved in corruption and smuggling. He condemned the administration’s action to get vacated the hostels of the International Islamic University and expressed the JI support for the students cause. He affirmed that the JI would prioritize the youth and actively recruit women during the upcoming membership campaign. He concluded by vowing that with people’s support, the JI would bring about a real change in the country.

Earlier, addressing a convention of JI workers from central Punjab, he advised them to spread the JI message and mobilise the public for their rights. This campaign, he added, was part of the JI’s national movement “Haq do Pakistan ko.”