Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi chief, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, has issued a rallying cry for a citywide shutdown tomorrow, to vehemently protest against the rampant inflation and escalating electricity bills plaguing Karachi. During a press conference held today, Rehman fervently urged the residents of Karachi to unite in a comprehensive demonstration on September 19, paralyzing the city’s major arteries. Later in the day, he took the helm of a sit-in protest on Shahrah-e-Faisal.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, speaking at the JI Karachi headquarters (Idara Noor-e-Haq), warned the caretaker government that they would face consequences unless there was a significant reduction in petroleum prices. He then led a sit-in protest at Shahrah-e-Faisal to emphasize the seriousness of the matter.
The JI Karachi chief announced that the youth would gather at 15 specific points on Tuesday evening to block them by switching off their vehicles. He strongly criticized the caretaker government, comparing it to an extension of the previous coalition government’s policies.
Rehman underscored the illogical nature of raising petroleum and electricity prices amidst a depreciation of the US dollar’s value. He contended that the rulers must recognize that the people’s patience is wearing thin. In his view, the nation is under the sway of powerful vested interests, who would be the first to evade responsibility in case of a national default. He emphasized that silence from the oppressed only perpetuates the oppressors.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman encouraged the public to assert their rights and highlighted the significance of the new Chief Justice’s actions on petroleum prices as a test of his commitment to people’s welfare. JI intends to convey these concerns through official channels.
Rehman urged the Caretaker Prime Minister to reduce subsidies and privileges for the elite in the public sector. He suggested top officials, like judges and generals, switch to more modest 1000 CC cars and end free petrol, electricity, and similar perks for public sector officers.
Before this, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) had planned sit-ins at Governor’s Houses and power companies’ offices to address these issues.
 Karachi chief, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, has issued a rallying cry for a citywide shutdown tomorrow, to vehemently protest against the rampant inflation and escalating electricity bills plaguing Karachi.){kind=link}