Jamaat-e-Islami announces nationwide shutter-down strike on Independence Day

ISLAMABAD: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Amir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has announced plans for a nationwide shutter-down strike after August 14, here on Tuesday.

Addressing a press conference on the occasion of the party’s sit-in in Rawalpindi, Rehman detailed that on August 8, the participants would march on Murree Road. This will be followed by a major protest outside the Chief Minister’s House in Lahore on August 11 and another protest in Peshawar on August 12.

Rehman demanded termination or revision of certain contracts with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and demanded a forensic audit of all contracts. He highlighted the impact of rising electricity bills on household budgets, stressing that charges should reflect the actual cost of electricity.

“We may have to publicize the disappearance of the government committee,” Rehman said, jokingly commenting on the disappearance of the government’s negotiating committee.

He added that the government is worried because the sit-in has affected its luxuries. Rehman suggested that the negotiating committee should include the Auditor General of Pakistan, WAPDA Chairman, Federal Chamber of Commerce and consumer representatives.

To a question, the JI chief clarified that bringing down the government is not currently on his agenda but hinted that it may be necessary depending on the government’s actions.