In light of ongoing protests by Jamaat-i-Islami (JI), the federal government has extended an offer for talks with the party leadership. This move follows JI’s announcement of its “Plan B” strategy, which includes demonstrations at three strategic locations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, despite restrictions on public gatherings.
The JI, posting on the X platform, declared, “The JI has revealed its Plan B. After facing obstacles and arrests, the JI hold sit-ins across three points [in the federal capital].”
A day prior, Islamabad’s district administration enforced Section 144, prohibiting the assembly of four or more people. This restriction, mirrored in Punjab from July 26 to 29, comes as the capital braces for heightened political tensions. JI had planned a sit-in at D-Chowk to protest rising prices, high electricity bills, and increased income tax.
The PTI-led opposition alliance also called for nationwide protests against alleged political victimization and demanded the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Despite the prohibitory orders, JI commenced protests in the twin cities, reporting over a dozen activists and local officials arrested by police.
Jamat-i-Islami stated that their Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman would lead the protest at Islamabad’s Zero Point, Secretary General Amirul Azim at Rawalpindi’s Murree Road, and a third rally at Islamabad’s 26 Number Chungi area. The decision to hold multiple protests followed obstacles and arrests during initial plans, with demonstrations set to continue until their demands are met.
In a video message,Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, addressing supporters at Islamabad Toll Plaza, vowed to persist with the protests. JI shared visuals of supporters demonstrating in the federal capital.
“We are not asking for anything for ourselves. The burden on the salaried class should be reduced,” JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said during the sit-in, reiterating demands for relief in electricity bills.
At a press conference, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that JI was initially permitted a rally at Liaquat Bagh under agreed SOPs. However, JI’s shift towards Islamabad did not align with prior arrangements. Tarar said, “The federal government is ready to form a negotiating team for talks with the JI,” stressing openness to discussion and the government’s readiness to consider JI’s demands within its reform agenda.
Tarar defended the government’s economic measures, including a recent power bill subsidy, assuring that JI’s concerns would be addressed.
PTI called off its protests planned for Friday as authorities began detaining JI workers. PTI Islamabad President Amir Masood Mughal said their protest was postponed following a court’s suggestion to allow it on July 29.
PTI alleged that Punjab police raided the home of PTI leader Raja Basharat in Rawalpindi and detained over a dozen individuals, including MNA Javed Iqbal in Rahim Yar Khan. Raids in Lahore led to the arrest of five associates of PTI leader Mehr Naeemullah, who escaped.
Following Friday prayers, police arrested at least two workers near Express Chowk, close to D-Chowk. Authorities placed containers at Faizabad, blocking access to the Red Zone and D-Chowk.
Punjab police conducted raids ahead of the JI sit-in, detaining several leaders and activists. JI leader Ahmad Salman Baloch reported police raiding the home of JI Deputy Emir Liaquat Baloch, arresting two individuals in his absence.
Islamabad police secured the Red Zone with containers and raided the home of JI Secretary General Amirul Azim, detaining his driver, Shokat Mehmood. Containers were also placed on the Expressway Zero Point bridge with police deployed in nearby areas.
The Islamabad Traffic Police issued an alternative route plan for the public. Due to the protests, the Metrobus service was suspended between IJP and Pak Secretariat, remaining operational between Rawalpindi Faizabad and President Station.
