Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has called for a nationwide strike on August 28 to protest against the government’s handling of inflation, electricity bills, and high taxes. Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Rehman criticized both the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for failing to address the country’s economic problems.

He condemned Nawaz Sharif’s recent move to reduce electricity prices in Punjab for two months, labeling it insufficient and discriminatory. Rehman argued that if Punjab receives such relief, Sindh should also benefit, especially given Karachi’s substantial tax contributions.

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Rehman also took aim at the Sindh government for not passing on federal funds to citizens and criticized K-Electric for exacerbating electricity costs. He called for the government to eliminate K-Electric’s role and provide electricity directly to Karachi residents.

He urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to act immediately to tackle rising inflation and adjust electricity tariffs. Rehman highlighted the growing frustration among traders and salaried individuals due to the high cost of living and electricity.

He also demanded a review of capacity payments to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and criticized the government for spending taxpayer money on advertisements while people face economic hardships.

Rehman reaffirmed Jamaat-e-Islami’s commitment to resistance until their demands are met, dismissing Nawaz Sharif’s recent promise of a Rs14 per unit relief on electricity bills in Punjab as inadequate.