Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has issued a strong warning about potential protests if the government does not resolve pressing issues.
On Monday, Naeem warned that several forms of protest, including long marches and a nationwide transport strike, could be organized. He made these remarks during a press conference at Idara Noor-e-Haq upon his arrival in Karachi.
“It has been a month since our agreement with the government, and we need more than just announcements. Interior Minister [Mohsin Naqvi] promised updates on progress, but we are demanding real solutions to public problems,” Naeem said.
He added that, after consulting with party members, JI is prepared for further actions. “We have held a nationwide shutter-down strike before, but now we may consider multiple strikes, long marches, or transport blockades. The public deserves clarity on negotiations with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and the harmful agreements impacting them.”
Naeem also criticized the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) for its failure to decentralize power in Karachi. “The situation in Karachi is alarming. The PPP controls all institutions, and despite some powers being transferred to local bodies, the system remains under their control,” he said.
Accusing the PPP of corruption, he noted, “Rs66 billion allocated to the KLC project have largely vanished due to corruption. Recent roadwork costing billions was washed away after the first rain. The road from Guru Mandir to Mazar-e-Quaid is now called ‘the one-day road’ as it didn’t last beyond a day.”
Naeem concluded by accusing the government of imposing unwanted political parties on Karachi and neglecting the city’s needs.