JI chief calls on traders to ensure success of shutter-down strike on Aug 28

Peshawar: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman on Friday called on the public, especially traders, to ensure the success of the shutter-down strike on August 28.

Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar, he emphasized that the strike's success is crucial for the welfare of the people.

He urged traders to remain united and not fall victim to the government's attempts to sow division within their ranks, stressing the importance of solidarity against such conspiracies. He also affirmed that JI would compel the government to honor the agreement reached following JI's 14-day sit-in protest.

Looking ahead, he announced that JI would launch a nationwide membership campaign starting on September 1. This campaign will focus on mass mobilization across various issues, including electoral and land reforms, universal access to education and healthcare, democracy, missing persons, the rule of law, and freedom of expression.

Rehman condemned the Rahim Yar Khan incident, expressing solidarity with the police and highlighting the growing lawlessness in the country. He pointed out that even those tasked with protecting the public are not safe, criticizing the PML-N and PPP governments in Punjab and Sindh for failing to maintain law and order. According to him, it is the dacoits who truly rule the Kacha region of Punjab and Sindh.

Rehman said both the PML-N and PPP came to power through rigged elections with the backing of the establishment, which he said always provide support to incompetent leaders and later regrets it.

He further held the PML-N, PPP, and their allies responsible for the current crises facing the country.

Commenting on the deteriorating security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Rehman mentioned reports of a military operation in the region, reiterating JI’s stance that military action cannot bring lasting peace. Instead, he argued that true peace would be achieved through providing basic facilities, such as healthcare, education, and employment, to the people. He called on the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan to engage in dialogue to establish peace in the region.

Rehman criticized Nawaz Sharif for indulging in provincial politics over the issue of electricity tariffs, offering relief to the people of Punjab despite having served as the country's prime minister. He repeated JI’s demand for nationwide relief on electricity tariffs and called on provincial governments to do the same.

Earlier, while addressing a JI leadership convention at Qartaba City in Islamabad, Rehman emphasized the party's focus on youth and its intention to actively recruit women during the upcoming membership drive. He concluded by reaffirming JI’s commitment to bringing real change to the country with the support of the people. JI vice-emir Dr Usama Razi and secretary general Amirul Azim also spoke on occasion.