August 7 To Be Historic Day of Resistance: JI Chief Warns Rulers

1گھنٹہ پہلے

August 7 To Be Historic Day of Resistance: JI Chief Warns Rulers

LAHORE, July 30: Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman on Thursday laid out a concrete action plan for its upcoming nationwide agitation, warning that major roads from Karachi to Khyber will be brought to a standstill on August 7.
Addressing a press conference at Mansoorah, JI Chief clarified that the August 7 protest marks the beginning of a relentless resistance campaign against crippling inflation, petroleum levies, and heavy taxation. He cautioned the ruling coalition that the sit-ins could be converted into an indefinite protest if the administration fails to curb its official expenses and provide immediate financial relief to the public. JI vice emir Liaqat Baloch, acting secretary general Nazeer Janjua , deputy secretary Rusal Khan Babar, Lahore emir Ziauddin Ansari and head of JI social media Salman Sheikh were also present on occasion.
Rehman highlighted the worsening economic indicators, pointing out that over 40 percent of the population has been pushed below the poverty line, while 27.5 million children remain out of school. Criticizing the government’s reliance on indirect taxes, he noted that nearly Rs 1,900 billion was extracted through petroleum levies in a single year alone. He added that alongside street agitation, JI is pursuing legal remedies, having already petitioned the Federal Constitutional Court against the levy while preparing to challenge daily fuel price adjustments.
Expressing deep concern over the political friction in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the JI Emir said the government was worsening regional tensions through force rather than diplomacy. He revealed that political jirgas initiated by JI to peacefully resolve the AJK crisis received no serious response from the authorities, warning that such missteps severely hurt the broader Kashmir cause.
Commenting on internal political dynamics, Rehman described the public exchanges between PML-N and PPP leaders during the AJK campaign as a self-exposure of election irregularities. He asserted that both major coalition partners rely on disputed election records and lack genuine public mandate, particularly in key urban centers like Karachi.
The JI Chief reiterated that the party would not engage in political bargains for power. He urged all state organs to remain within their constitutional boundaries, warning that if the government does not immediately end lavish spending—including luxury state vehicles and aircraft—the upcoming public mobilization will forcefully demand strict accountability.