LAHORE: Jamaat-i-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has announced a nationwide protest movement after Ramazan, which will include demonstrations outside governors’ and chief ministers’ residences, followed by a call for a long march.

Addressing a press conference at the conclusion of the party’s three-day central Shura (consultative) meeting at Mansoora, he said people from all over the country would participate in it, with farmers, labourers, students, and the general public joining the struggle for their rights – particularly for a reduction in electricity prices – and “the government would surrender to public pressure.”

He criticised the existing electoral system, stating that governments should be formed based on Form 45, not Form 47. He also condemned the use of controversial Peca law against JI’s Mansehra chief, calling it an attack on freedom of expression and demanding his immediate release.

Rehman criticised mainstream political parties for ignoring public issues such as education, women’s rights, and the growing drug problem in educational institutions. He lamented the deteriorating law and order situation in the country, particularly in the merged tribal districts, where he said terrorists roam freely while the government merely talks about military operations without addressing the root causes of terrorism.

Expressing concern over the issue of enforced disappearances in Balochistan, he said thousands of people are missing, and if institutions themselves do not uphold the Constitution and avoid political interference, how can they expect ordinary citizens to abide by the law? He condemned recent attacks on buses in Balochistan. He demanded that the Baloch people be granted their rightful dues.

The JI leader also criticised the lawlessness in Sindh, describing it as a “dacoit rule” and said life in Karachi has been made unbearable. He said the PPP failed to regulate the operations of water tankers and dumpers in Karachi, leading to frequent accidents and loss of lives. Commenting on the situation in Punjab, he said that the so-called “Kisan Card” was merely a loan scheme, and farmers were not given fair wheat prices last year, with no clear decision yet on this year’s support price.

Rehman said the US is trying to create conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, warning that such a scenario would only benefit external enemies. He urged Islamabad and Kabul to engage in a meaningful dialogue for peace.

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2025