Karachi (HRNW) – Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has strongly criticized the government’s economic policies, expressing concerns over the upcoming federal budget and warning of a possible nationwide strike if adequate relief is not provided to the public.
Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman said the federal budget is set to be presented in two days, but instead of easing public hardships, the government appears to be increasing the burden on citizens.
Commenting on the political situation in Gilgit-Baltistan, he alleged that the political model associated with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had been extended to the region. He criticized the performance of political parties regarding basic public services, including water supply, employment opportunities and infrastructure development.
Hafiz Naeem also criticized proposed taxation measures, arguing that additional taxes and levies would place further pressure on ordinary citizens while benefiting influential groups and vested interests.
He called for immediate reductions in the prices of petrol, electricity and natural gas, stating that economic growth would remain difficult unless energy costs were brought down. He also objected to consumers paying charges related to electricity that they do not utilize.
Warning of possible protests, the Jamaat-e-Islami leader said that if meaningful relief measures are absent from the budget, the party could announce a strike shortly after its presentation.
Addressing Karachi’s longstanding water crisis, he said residents in many areas face prolonged water shortages and criticized delays in the completion of the K-IV water supply project. He urged both the federal and Sindh governments to allocate resources and take urgent action to resolve the issue.
Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman also highlighted the plight of Pakistani citizens reportedly being held hostage by pirates. He stated that 17 Pakistanis, including 10 from Karachi, remain in captivity and appealed to the government to intensify efforts for their recovery.
He criticized what he described as insufficient action by relevant authorities and called on the federal government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take immediate and effective measures to secure the safe return of the hostages.
The Jamaat-e-Islami chief concluded by stressing that the issues of public relief, water shortages and the recovery of abducted citizens require urgent attention and practical action from the government.
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