Jamaat-e-Islami Announces Nationwide Shutter-Down Strike After 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal
LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan has announced a nationwide shutter-down strike after 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal to protest against high petroleum levies, rising inflation and government economic policies.
JI Ameer Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman made the announcement during a press conference in Lahore, saying the party’s ongoing public resistance movement would be intensified until the government provides meaningful economic relief to citizens. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
JI demands reduction in fuel prices
Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman called on the federal government to reduce petroleum prices and withdraw what he described as excessive petroleum levies.
According to the JI chief, high fuel costs have increased transportation expenses and contributed to rising prices of essential commodities across the country.
He said the government should take immediate steps to reduce the financial burden on ordinary citizens.
JI calls for action against food cartels
The JI leader also criticised the influence of powerful food cartels, particularly what he referred to as the flour and sugar mafias.
He argued that meaningful economic recovery would remain difficult unless the government takes effective action against groups accused of manipulating food prices and benefiting at the expense of consumers.
Concerns over farmers and agriculture
Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman also highlighted the difficulties faced by Pakistan’s agricultural sector.
He criticised the lack of affordable fertiliser and subsidised agricultural inputs, warning that continued neglect of farmers could create serious challenges for the country’s food security.
The JI chief called for measures aimed at reducing the cost of agricultural production and providing greater support to farmers.
JI criticises government spending
The JI leader also criticised what he described as excessive government spending and elite privileges.
Questioning the use of taxpayer-funded luxury vehicles by senior government and bureaucratic officials, he argued that public resources should be used more efficiently at a time when ordinary citizens are facing rising living costs.
Nationwide anti-inflation campaign
The planned shutter-down strike is being presented by the JI as another phase of its campaign against inflation, high utility tariffs, taxation and rising fuel prices.
Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman said the party would seek the support of traders, transport associations and civil society groups across major urban and rural commercial centres.
He said the campaign would continue until the government reviews its tax measures and takes steps to provide immediate economic relief to the public.
The announcement sets the stage for a wider political and commercial mobilisation over Pakistan’s economic conditions, with the JI seeking to increase pressure on the government through nationwide protests and the proposed shutter-down strike.
