As Jamaat-e-Islami’s sit-in at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi reaches its seventh day, party leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman reaffirmed on Thursday that the protest will persist until their demands are met.
Addressing the crowd, Rehman underscored that the resolution for the ruling authorities is simple—accept JI’s demands. He highlighted that “twenty-five crore people and overseas Pakistanis” have placed their hopes in this demonstration.
Rehman urged the nation to oppose what he described as the ‘terrorist’ influences of the United States, Israel, and their proxies in Islamic countries.
Criticizing the current administration, Rehman accused it of being influenced by foreign powers and disconnected from the needs of the Pakistani populace. The sit-in, which protests against high electricity costs and rampant inflation, will continue without a clear commitment from the government, Rehman warned.
“The straightforward path for the rulers is to accept the demands, otherwise, we will announce our next steps in two days,” he stated. He also called for transparent negotiations, suggesting that discussions be held publicly to ensure accountability.
Rehman praised the resilience and support of the protesters, describing the sit-in as a historic event that has already made a significant impact. He condemned the government’s economic policies, which he said have caused widespread hardship through high electricity bills, unemployment, and factory closures.
He accused some government officials of perpetuating corruption and misusing the nation’s resources, criticizing the extravagant expenditures of bureaucrats, politicians, and military leaders.
“We demand that no vehicle above 1300 cc be used by officials. What is stopping this, Shahbaz Sharif?” he questioned.
On international issues, Rehman criticized the government’s handling of the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline and its compliance with American policies, which he claimed harm Pakistan’s interests. He also condemned the lack of action against Israel and the United States, accusing them of perpetuating global terrorism against Muslims.
Rehman concluded his speech with a call to action, urging Pakistanis to mobilize across Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Sindh, and Karachi.
“We have decided not to play games; we must challenge all political parties,” he declared. He warned that if the government fails to address their demands promptly, the sit-in will be extended, and a new movement will arise.
