The deadlock between the government and Jamaat-e-Islami is unresolved as their two negotiation sessions have been held and have yet to progress. The sit-in has given hope to the people, according to Jamaat-e-Islami leader Hafiz Naeem Your Rehman, adding that it will continue until the demands are met. He hinted at boycotting electricity bill payments and raging a protest against the government; he said that they could announce a march towards Islamabad at any time.
What’s Next After Protests?
Jamaat-e-Islami has decided that its protest sit-in will move to Faizabad in phase two and, eventually, D-Chowk in Islamabad, where they plan to organize a big Independence Day ceremony called possibly National Conference. During his speech at the Dharna, Hafiz Naeem your Rahman avowed that this Dharna has become an oasis of hope for the masses such that politics will be purely public issues. He hailed their peaceful turn-up during the event while criticizing the government for making people suffer due to high power bills.
Government Policies Criticized
Hafiz Naeem, your Rehman, stressed that electricity bills, IPPs, and huge taxation had caused great anger, implying that this protest meant hope for them. He criticized the inability of government officials to become satisfactory during negotiations, and he emphasized taking concrete actions rather than making empty announcements. He demanded the government’s reversal of recent budgetary measures regarding slab structure and ceasing announcements without official notifications. Moreover, he quoted examples of the Prime Minister, etc., who cannot use small cars, unlike other common Kenyans, yet taxpayers’ money should not fund luxurious lifestyles for civil servants.
Palestinian Issue Support
Jamaat-e-Islami arranged a procession from Liaquat Bagh to Committee Chowk Murree Road in solidarity with Palestinians besides continuing their protests. Several party leaders, including women and children, ratified Hafiz Naeem your Rehman’s rally from where he gave his speech. Addressing the rally, Hafiz Naeem your Rehman condemned the targeted killing of Ismail Haniya by Israel and viewed it as proof that Muslims stand together. Liaqat Baloch read an epistle written by Ismail Haniya’s daughter that highlighted the unyielding spirit of Palestinians.
The deadlock in talks shows how far apart the government and Jamaat-e-Islami are. Their party’s refusal to relent on protests and ability to go to Islamabad speaks volumes about its commitment to fighting for these demands. Also, their loud support for Palestine gives rise to an international dimension of their activism, indicating wider goals of advocating for oppressed communities worldwide.
