ISLAMABAD / LAHORE: The Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) has shifted its protest for removing inflation and high electricity bills from DH Chowk to Liaquat Bagh Rawalpindi after the government intervened. Whereas the sit-in was to be conducted at D-Chowk, it will proceed in Liaquat Bagh until Monday. The action was taken after several incidents in which groups faced the police, and around 40 JI supporters were detained in an attempt to storm the capital of Pakistan.
The Information Minister Atta Tarar also expressed his concerns about such protests hindering the general public, especially those who commute on the roads. In response, JI leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman called for the release of arrested workers. He offered the formation of a committee as a means of entering into negotiations with the government.
In related events, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has reportedly canceled its sit-in protest in Islamabad, rescheduling it for July 29th after a court ruling. However, PTI continued its protests nationwide, and the Punjab government claims that protests may turn into riots throughout Pakistan with approximately 400 activists detained Since the Punjab government put Section 144 in place.
Section, 144 had been imposed in Punjab and PTI deputy chief whip Sheikh Imtiaz claimed, it was due to ‘external threats’. The Punjab Police raided the premises at night and arrested multiple party workers, most of whom were released, provided they did not participate in the rallies. PTI leaders proceeded to 15 more rallies across the province, reporting allegations of police misconduct against detainees.
These actions reflect the ongoing conflict in the context of political instability in Pakistan about the activities of the opposition and the government’s actions in response to them.
