Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman announced that the party will stage sit-ins across Punjab and other parts of Pakistan on December 21 in protest against the Punjab Local Government Act. Addressing a demonstration in Lahore on Sunday, he criticized the government for misleading the nation by introducing laws and then challenging them.
He described the Punjab Local Government Act as a “black law,” claiming it undermined the rights of cities and union councils. Hafiz Naeem demanded full devolution of powers to local governments and emphasized that tehsil administrations must be empowered to function effectively. He stressed that the party would approach the courts to challenge the law, arguing that the current system was neither just nor representative.
The JI chief accused feudal elites of hijacking the political system to protect what he termed an oppressive order. He alleged that those in power retained benefits within their own families, while political workers who had contributed decades to the party were denied leadership roles.
Hafiz Naeem highlighted the dominance of political dynasties, pointing out that an uncle served as prime minister while a niece held the position of chief minister, limiting opportunities for ordinary political workers.
He also claimed that political families had extended their influence over institutions, including the judiciary, consolidating power further. Hafiz Naeem stressed the importance of raising public awareness about the Local Government Act and asserted that Jamaat-e-Islami was the only party actively working with citizens to dismantle the current system.
Additionally, he criticized the government for allegedly removing public banners that carried citizens’ voices and questioned former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s claims of respecting the vote, asking how respect could be genuine when rulers were seen installing plaques with their own names on roads and underpasses.
The sit-ins planned on December 21 are intended to mobilize public opinion against the law, challenge political dynasties, and demand greater empowerment and accountability at the local government level across Punjab and other provinces.
