JI emir Hafiz Naeem demands nationwide reduction in electricity tariffs

Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has called for a nationwide strike on August 28, urging traders across the country to participate fully against power tariff, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.  

Addressing a press conference in Peshawar, Hafiz Naeem stressed the importance of unity among traders, warning that any group of traders who fail to support the strike would be committing an act of betrayal.

Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman called for a nationwide reduction in electricity tariffs, emphasizing the need for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) government to provide relief to its citizens.

He urged the provincial government to develop a comprehensive plan and engage with the federal government to address this pressing issue.

He also highlighted the significant role KPK plays in electricity production, insisting that the region deserves its due rights.

Hafiz Naeem pointed out that if the funds from the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) owned by influential groups like the Mansha Group and the Sharif family were returned to the national treasury, it could significantly reduce electricity costs for the entire year.

He warned traders against falling prey to any conspiracies, stressing that every trader should close their shops and participate fully in the protest on August 28.

Hafiz Naeem expressed concern that if traders do not stand firm now, it will be difficult to secure any relief for the public in the future.

He reiterated the crucial role that KPK plays in the production of affordable electricity in Pakistan and criticized the federal government's failure to eliminate its perks while continuing to impose taxes on salaried individuals.

He argued that landowners and feudal lords, who are currently not paying taxes, should be held accountable, rather than burdening the working class.

Hafiz Naeem also welcomed the Supreme Court's actions regarding the protection of the Finality of Prophethood, a highly sensitive issue in Pakistan.

Turning to security concerns, Hafiz Naeem condemned the recent attack by bandits in Rahim Yar Khan, where 12 individuals, including police officers, were martyred. He questioned how these criminals had access to such advanced weaponry and criticized the authorities for their negligence. He lamented that even police officers are not safe under the current Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) coalition government.

Hafiz Naeem questioned the effectiveness of the state institutions, accusing them of merely recording videos instead of taking meaningful action.

He held the Inspector General (IG) responsible for the tragic incident and criticized the ongoing military operations in tribal areas, which are reportedly using aircraft. He also raised concerns about the escalating electricity bills, stating that the economic situation in the country is deteriorating rapidly.

Hafiz Naeem demanded a reduction in the permanent electricity tariffs, criticizing the relief measures that have been implemented as insufficient.

He pointed out that the relief provided to some regions has come from the hard-earned money of the public and questioned why similar relief was not extended to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), suggesting that the absence of allied government control in the region might be the reason.

In addition to the strike, Hafiz Naeem addressed the ongoing issue of load shedding, noting that the current economic conditions are making business operations increasingly difficult.