‘JI’s strike to be a vote of no confidence against rulers’

Karachi Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Monem Zafar on Tuesday announced that the nationwide strike planned for August 28, called by JI Pakistan emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, would serve as a vote of no confidence against the government due to its flawed policies.

Addressing a press conference at the JI’s Karachi headquarters, Idara Noor-e-Haq, alongside JI leaders and representatives from trade bodies, Zafar urged Karachiites to ensure the strike’s success.

He stated that unity among traders and other societal segments would pressure the government to address demands such as lower electricity costs and fair taxation.

Zafar explained that despite Karachi being the economic lifeline of the country, 30 per cent of industries in the city had collapsed due to the prevailing conditions and government policies, and this decline had exacerbated joblessness in the city. He criticised the excessive and uneven taxation — Rs5 billion for feudal lords compared to Rs360 billion for the salaried class — as well as increased electricity and utility tariffs, which he said were pushing the country towards chaos.