KARACHI: Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman announced a major protest scheduled for July 12 in Islamabad, targeting what the party describes as “high taxes and exorbitant electricity tariffs.” The announcement came amidst growing discontent following President Asif Ali Zardari’s approval of the government’s tax-heavy Finance Bill 2024.
In a press conference in Karachi, Rehman criticized the government for burdening the public with what he termed a “cruel budget” that prioritizes taxing the salaried classes while exempting the elite and landowners. He accused the ruling classes of refusing to relinquish their privileges, despite pushing the nation into deeper economic hardship.
Highlighting the economic challenges faced by professionals in Pakistan, Rehman lamented a significant exodus of 119% of professionals compared to the previous year, including doctors, engineers, IT specialists, and chartered accountants. He underscored the detrimental impact of inflation, unemployment, and taxation policies on the country’s workforce and youth, questioning the government’s approach to governance.
Rehman emphasized the JI’s demand for a reduction in electricity bills and taxes, calling for an end to the slab-based pricing structure of electricity bills. He announced plans for a grand rally in Islamabad on July 12, stating that the protest aims to compel the government to retract what he described as “cruel measures” and address the grievances of the masses.
Asserting the party’s resolve, Rehman hinted at the possibility of the protest escalating into a sit-in if necessary, emphasizing that the JI would continue its campaign until the demands for economic relief and fair taxation policies are met.
Furthermore, Rehman dismissed calls for re-elections by other political parties, asserting that the existing election forms were in place, and instead called for national unity in addressing the economic challenges facing Pakistan. He urged traders, industrialists, and the salaried class to join the JI’s movement, signaling a concerted effort to mobilize public support ahead of the planned demonstration in Islamabad.
