Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has announced a countrywide strike after 12th Rabiul Awwal. The decision comes amid growing concerns over inflation.
JI Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman announced the plan during a press conference in Lahore. He said the party’s protest movement had entered a decisive stage.
He announced that a long march would also be held towards Islamabad. Sit-ins are planned in three major cities across the country.
The JI chief also announced plans for protest camps nationwide. He said a major rally would be held in Lahore as part of the campaign.
Naeemur Rehman said the government must reduce petroleum product prices. He stressed that the party wanted to take its movement to its logical conclusion.
The JI leader also criticised the government’s handling of inflation. He said rising costs were creating serious difficulties for ordinary citizens.
The protesters have several key demands from the government. They want the immediate abolition of the petroleum levy.
They are also demanding lower prices for roti, gas and electricity. The protesters have called for measures to control rising inflation.
Another major demand concerns agreements signed with independent power producers. The protesters want the government to review those agreements.
The ongoing sit-in has attracted criticism from some citizens. Many residents complained that traffic movement on The Mall was being disrupted.
However, other citizens acknowledged that inflation remains a serious public concern. They also pointed to increasing electricity bills as a major burden.
Some residents suggested a compromise over the protest arrangements. They said demonstrations should continue without completely blocking major traffic routes.
They proposed opening alternative routes while allowing the protesters to maintain their sit-in.
Despite the announced campaign, turnout at the protest site remained limited. Reports indicated that relatively few workers had gathered at the location.
The protesters nevertheless said their sit-in would continue. They maintained that the demonstration would remain in place until their demands were accepted.
Naeemur Rehman also raised concerns about fuel pricing. He alleged that local diesel was being sold at prices comparable to imported diesel.
He claimed the government was aware of profiteering in the petroleum sector. The JI chief demanded action to provide relief to consumers.
The JI leader described the situation as a form of “mafia rule.” He said ordinary people were facing increasing hardship because of inflation.
The party’s latest announcement signals an expansion of its protest campaign. The planned strike, long march and sit-ins could increase pressure on the government.
JI has also indicated that demonstrations will continue across different parts of Pakistan. The party says its objective is to secure economic relief for citizens.
The government has yet to announce a detailed response to the latest demands. Meanwhile, the protesters remain committed to continuing their campaign.
The planned countrywide strike is expected to become another major phase of JI’s movement. The party says it will continue its efforts until its demands are addressed.
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