JI to stage sit-ins in Karachi on 29th over govt’s failure to honour relief agreement

Karachi Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Monem Zafar announced on Thursday the party would hold sit-in protests on September 29 in response to the government’s failure to implement its written agreement regarding relief in electricity bills and from excessive taxation.

Addressing a press conference at the JI headquarters, Idara Noor-e-Haq, Zafar outlined the plan to stage protests on ten major routes, including Sharea Faisal, Shahrah-e-Quaideen, Super Highway, National Highway, Hub River Road, and Maripur Road.

He criticised the government for its heavy taxation and unjust regulations, which he claims are pushing the lower middle class to the brink while favouring the elite. He also condemned the Pakistan Peoples Party government in Sindh for alleged corruption, particularly in the maintenance of the city’s road network. He highlighted issues with K-Electric, noting the company’s monopoly and a significant increase in subsidies.

Zafar also addressed mismanagement and irregularities related to the MDCAT, stating that reports of paper leaks threatened the future of medical education in Pakistan. He criticised the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) for collecting Rs1.39 billion from 180,000 candidates while providing only two examination centres in Karachi. He cited instances of alleged malpractice, including reports of solved papers in private centres.

The JI leader called for the chief minister, the provincial education minister, and the health minister to be held accountable for the current situation and demanded the formation of a high-power committee to investigate the matter and bring those responsible to justice. Additionally, Zafar announced a Gaza Million March scheduled for September 6 in Karachi.