Jamaat-e-Islami Vows Nationwide Protests as Government Fails to Address Soaring Cost of Living
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), a prominent religious political party in Pakistan, has escalated its stance against the government’s economic policies, particularly the rising cost of living and increased taxes. JI has been leading a sit-in protest at Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh since July 26, demanding significant reductions in power tariffs and a reassessment of tax burdens on the salaried class. Despite two rounds of negotiations with government representatives, no resolution has been reached. The party has now issued a stern ultimatum: if their demands are not met within two days, they will expand their protests to major cities like Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta.
This development highlights growing public dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of economic challenges, particularly amid soaring inflation. JI’s strategy of mobilizing widespread protests across Pakistan’s largest cities aims to intensify pressure on the government, signaling the party’s resolve to challenge policies they view as detrimental to the public. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of women and children in the protests, adding a human element that could sway public opinion in JI’s favor.
