KARACHI: Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, the Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, has announced a nationwide shutter-down strike on August 28 in protest against rising inflation and the escalating electricity tariffs.
During a rally in Multan, Hafiz Naeem strongly criticized the current government, accusing it of imposing unbearable inflation and widespread unemployment on the public. He described the electricity bills as monthly “bombs” dropped on the people and condemned the government’s failure to reduce the privileges of the elite.
Hafiz Naeem pledged to continue this movement across the country, with additional rallies planned in Lahore, Peshawar, and other cities, to pressure the government into addressing the public’s grievances.
He also expressed concern over the government’s recent decision to provide relief on electricity tariffs exclusively for consumers in Punjab. He stressed that relief should be extended to all Pakistanis, rather than being confined to a single province.
Earlier in the day, former Prime Minister and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif announced a significant relief package for electricity consumers in Punjab, with a focus on aiding low-income households.
During a press conference, Sharif revealed that consumers using up to 500 units of electricity would receive a relief of Rs 14 per unit. He commended Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her efforts in delivering this relief and announced her upcoming launch of a solar panel scheme aimed at further reducing electricity bills.
The Punjab government has allocated Rs 700 billion for the solar panel initiative, which is expected to help further alleviate electricity costs. The relief package, which includes the Rs 14 per unit reduction, will cost the Punjab government Rs 45 billion.
Hafiz Naeem also announced his support for the traders’ community and confirmed that Jamaat-e-Islami would participate in the nationwide strike on August 28.
