JI warns of nationwide wheel-jam strike unless government delivers economic relief

Jamaat-i-Islami has warned that it will bring traffic across Pakistan to a halt if the government delays action on demands for economic relief. Party Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman issued the warning on Saturday, two days after a countrywide protest.

Six JI workers were arrested during that protest in Karachi for allegedly burning motorcycles and tyres. The party has distanced itself from those elements, even as it keeps pressure on the government through sit-ins across the country.

Rehman said formal negotiations with the government would begin on Monday, while the sit-ins would continue at the same time. He spoke at a news conference in the federal capital alongside JI Deputy Chief Mian Muhammad Aslam and Islamabad Amir Nasrullah Randhawa.

The announcement followed a same-day agreement involving Rehman, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah. The JI and federal government will form committees to recommend ways to reduce the petroleum levy and provide relief to the public. Rehman also criticised the current administration.