LOWER DIR: Jamaat-i-Islami provincial chief Prof Mohammad Ibrahim has said that Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and Pakistan Tahreek-i-Insaf are two sides of the same coin as they have similar policies.

He was addressing as a chief guest the monthly congregation organised by the district chapter of JI at Ahyaul Uloom Balambat here on Sunday night. The gathering was also addressed by JI deputy chief Dr Attaur Rehman, provincial general secretary Abdul Wasi, district chief Izazul Mulk Afkari and others.

Prof Ibrahim said that JI raised voice regarding the problems faced by people and supremacy of Constitution. He said that JI had decided after several experiences that it would never make an alliance with any party because all of them had different flags with a similar agenda.

He urged party members to make character building their top priority and remain united and constant in every matter. He said that JI members should not be disappointed because the vote bank of the party witnessed increase in the recent general elections.

Prof Ibrahim says JI will never form alliance with any party

The JI leader said that both PDM and PTI had done nothing for the country except causing inflation, unemployment and insecurity. He said that JI would arrange a massive ‘Gaza March’ under the leadership of Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on May 19 in Peshawar.

STRIKE: Chemist and Druggists Association on Monday announced to fully support the shutter down strike of traders in parts of Malakand division against the imposition of taxes.

All private schools across the district will also remain closed owing to shutter down and wheel jam strike.

According to the decision taken at a meeting of chemists and druggists, all medicine markets in Timergara, Chakdara, Samarbagh, Munda, Khall, Lal Qila and Talash would remain closed on Tuesday. The meeting, chaired by Bacha Munir Yousafzai, rejected the government’s plan to impose taxes in Malakand division.

The meeting also demanded of the government to take notice of the increasing prices of essential drugs.

Meanwhile, Private Education Network (PEN), a network of private educational institutions, also announced to support the strike. PEN in its circular has said that all private schools and colleges will remain closed on Tuesday (today) due to traders’ strike.

Bar councils in the region also announced to back the strike by boycotting court proceedings.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2024