Naeem-ul-Rahman, the Jamaat-e-Islami Hafiz, stressed that traders should support the protests to express their dissatisfaction. The words reflect a growing fury among citizens about the administration’s economic policy and tax moves.
Government’s Announcement of Budget and Public Reaction
The prime minister recently commented on the budget, which he consulted with the IMF, and the general public has expressed disappointment. Naeem blames the government for not thinking about ordinary people’s problems due to inflationary pressures. The increasing cost of living has been highlighted as one of its major causes in the absence of relief efforts. Such as increasing tariffs on water and July 12icity.
Agenda for July 12 Protest, Sit-in: Sit-inThe July 12th protest, planned for July 12, will address issues like an increment in power (electricity), gas and petrol prices, and heavy taxes affecting low-income earners and the middle class. Hafiz Naeem pointed out that it was necessary to collaborate with traders to be effective during this process. Furthermore, he promised to consult fully with representatives of traders before making any decision regarding shutdown, aiming to achieve maximum impact through coordinated strategies.
Consultations and Media Interaction
While meeting business leaders from Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Karachi markets at Mansoora and representatives of Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry to discuss terms for shutdowns or other forms of protest action against government policies, Hafiz Naeem pointed out shared concerns among business people. The media need to share ideas freely, thereby enhancing channels for public opinion concerning class divisions in society, especially in economics, where there are significant differences between poor masses living below poverty thresholds under exploitative conditions at jobs provided mainly through unregulated labour markets. At the same time, a few elite sections continue accumulating wealth without taxation obligations. He demanded justice, stating that the government had unwillingly granted exemptions to feudal lords. Who were supposed to pay more taxes.
Commitment of Trader Leaders
The heads of the Bazaars have given their full support for the protests set by Hafiz Naeem. They expressed a great determination to apply all their resources, including networks. To ensure they would participate fully during such sit-ins and shutdowns if necessary. Their main aim is to pressure the government to change its fiscal policies in favour of ordinary citizens instead of appeasing the IMF.
