The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Naib Emir, Liaqat Baloch, has announced a nationwide shutter-down strike on August 28, aiming to pressure the coalition government into providing immediate relief to the masses. The strike is being backed by the trader community, who have unanimously decided to protest against rising inflation, exorbitant electricity prices, and heavy taxation.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Baloch emphasized that the strike is a collective effort by the trader community and JI to demand economic relief. “Any attempt by the government to suppress this strike will only lead to further unrest,” Baloch warned, highlighting the growing frustration among the public.
Liaqat Baloch reminded the nation of JI’s 14-day protest in Rawalpindi earlier this month, during which they successfully negotiated with the federal government. The government had agreed to a one-month deadline to review contracts with independent power producers (IPPs) and implement measures to alleviate the burden of inflation.
Potential Long March to Islamabad
Baloch did not rule out the possibility of escalating the protests, including a long march to Islamabad, if the government fails to fulfill its commitments. “Our sit-in was postponed, not canceled. We will continue our struggle until the nation receives the relief it desperately needs,” he asserted.
Prior to the strike call, JI Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman announced another wave of protests two weeks ago, in collaboration with trader groups. These protests followed the party’s successful negotiations with the government on August 9, which led to the postponement of their 14-day sit-in. The demands included reducing high power tariffs and re-evaluating agreements with IPPs, which have been widely criticized for contributing to exorbitant electricity bills.
