LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Thursday said Nawaz Sharif, despite thrice serving as prime minister of the country, has played “provincial politics” on the issue of electricity tariff.

Addressing a press conference in Mansoora, he said Nawaz’s efforts to provide relief in power tariff are restricted to Punjab only.

The JI demands power tariff relief across the country and has announced a countrywide shutter-down strike on August 28 over the issue.

Announcing the launch of a membership campaign by his party across the country from Sept 1, he said the JI’s mass mobilisation efforts will focus on a broad agenda, including electoral and land reforms, education and healthcare for all, upholding democracy, the issue of missing persons, the rule of law, and freedom of speech.

Criticising the government for, what he called, targeting youth under the pretext of digital terrorism, he warned that such actions would only exacerbate the prevailing crises.

Objecting to spreading of hate in the name of religion or threatening the country’s sovereignty, he, however, firmly opposed efforts to stifle freedom of speech and “manipulating narratives” through coercive tactics.

Rehman condemned the government’s approach of slowing down and shutting off internet, stating that this intrusion into individual privacy was unacceptable. He highlighted the significant impact of such attempts on the livelihoods of millions of people, particularly the youth, who rely on freelancing and digital services for their income.

When asked about the PTI’s stance on Form 47, he pointed out that the party had compromised on its previous position. He explained that PTI is now demanding fresh elections, stepping back from its earlier demand for a probe into the election rigging based on Form 45.

Saying that the JI, however, maintains its firm stance on both Form 47 and the events of May 9, calling for a judicial commission to investigate both matters.

In response to another question, Rehman said the action against former ISI chief retired Gen Faiz Hameed was an internal issue of the Pakistan Army. However, he said, if Mr Hameed was involved in political interference or corruption, the public should be informed of the details.

He emphasised that every institution, including the Pakistan Army, must ensure transparent accountability, particularly of those who were involved in corruption and smuggling.

He condemned the vacating of students’ hostels at the International Islamic University and expressed the JI’s support for the students’ cause.

He affirmed that the JI would prioritise the youth and actively recruit women during the upcoming membership campaign. He concluded by vowing that with the people’s support, the JI would bring about “real change” in the country.

Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2024