The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Naib Emir, Liaqat Baloch, announced a countrywide shutter-down strike scheduled for August 28, aiming to pressure the coalition government into offering economic relief to the public.
This move comes in response to growing discontent over issues such as inflation, soaring electricity prices, and heavy taxation. Baloch made this announcement during a press conference in Islamabad, emphasizing the unanimous support of the trader community for the strike.
Baloch issued a stern warning that any governmental efforts to hinder the strike could result in widespread chaos and instability. He recalled the JI’s recent 14-day protest in Rawalpindi, during which they engaged in talks with the federal government. These negotiations concluded with the government agreeing to meet the JI’s demands, which focused on providing relief to those affected by inflation.
A significant element of the agreement reached with the government was a commitment to review contracts with independent power producers (IPPs) within a month. These contracts have been criticized for contributing to high electricity costs. Baloch urged the government to adhere to the terms of the agreement and implement the promised relief measures.
Baloch also hinted at the possibility of escalating their protest efforts, including potentially organizing a long march to Islamabad. He clarified that although the JI had postponed its sit-in following the agreement with the government, their campaign for economic relief would continue unabated.
Before the decision to call a strike, JI Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman had previously announced plans for further protests, emphasizing peaceful demonstrations in collaboration with trader groups. The strike announcement follows the suspension of a 14-day sit-in on August 9, after successful negotiations with the government.
These talks focused on issues such as reducing electricity tariffs and reassessing IPP contracts, which are seen as major contributors to the financial burdens facing the public.
