The participants included Jamaat-e-Islami workers and people from different walks of society. Deputy Emir of Jamaat-e-Islami Liaqat Baloch addressed Talagang Chakwal and Attock protesters while Secretary General Ameer-ul-Azeem spoke in Gujrat. The Emir of Jamaat-e-Islami Southern Punjab, Rao Zafar, led a protest in front of Multan Press Club. Muhammad Javed Kasuri, Emir Central Punjab, led the rally in Kasur, whereas Maulana Abdul Haq Hashmi, Emir Balochistan, addressed protesters in Quetta.Protests Against Govt’s Economic Policies.
Protests Across Provinces:
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Professor Muhammad Ibrahim, Emir of KP, addressed the crowd in Peshawar, while Secretary-General Abdul Wasay spoke in Mardan.
- Karachi: Munam Zafar Khan led a protest at Kala Pul.
- Sargodha: Owais Qasim led the demonstration.
- Sheikhupura: Rana Tohfa Dastgir headed the protest.
During his speeches in Talagang, Chakwal, and Attock, Liaqat Baloch emphasized that the hidden taxes in the budget would severely impact the public, stripping them of their fundamental right to live. Other speakers criticized the government’s policies, claiming they had burdened and oppressed the public.
In Lahore, Jamaat-e-Islami organized multiple protests in various locations, including Mansura Multan Chungi, Barki, Akbari Market, Main GT Road Thana Shahdara, Ravi Chowk, Outside Delhi Gate, Shad Bagh Scheme, Madho Lal Hussain Road, Nishtar Colony Stop on Ferozepur Road, Shanghai Bridge, Akbar Chowk, Township, Baghrian Stop, Old Kahna Ferozepur Road, and Chowk Ashiqabad. The protest outside Delhi Gate was led by Sheikh Saleem, Ameer Zone PP 147, with participation from Qari Azharuddin and other workers.
Statements from Leadership:
Ziauddin Ansari, Advocate, Emir Jamaat-e-Islami Lahore, and Khalid Ahmad Butt, Secretary Jamaat-e-Islami Lahore, addressed the protesters, rejecting the steep increase in electricity prices. They condemned the government’s failure to provide free electricity for up to 300 units, instead increasing the cost by 355%. They highlighted that commercial charges had been raised by 300% and industrial usage charges by 355%, calling these increases oppressive and unacceptable.
Ahmad Salman Baloch and Naib Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami South Lahore stated that the Muslim League and the People’s Party were responsible for the public’s plight.
Protests and rallies were also held in Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Okara, Sheikhupura, Kasur, and other parts of Punjab and across the country. In Jacobabad, a significant protest against prolonged load shedding and rising electricity prices was led by Haji Deedar Ali Lashari, Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Jacobabad, from the local office to DC Chowk.
These widespread protests reflect the growing frustration and discontent among the public with the government’s economic policies, particularly regarding inflation, taxation, and energy management.
