KARACHI: The central chief of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman announced that his party will not join any political alliances while calling for nationwide strike on August 28.
Instead, the party will focus its efforts on engaging with the youth and the general populace.
Read more: Multan: Jamaat-e-Islami calls nationwide strike on August 28
Speaking at a meeting in Karachi, Rehman criticised the current state of democracy within political parties, accusing them of relying on establishment support to gain power.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the opposition parties, citing their internal confusion and stating that the Jamaat-e-Islami cannot support such entities.
Rehman also announced a nationwide protest planned for August 28. The JI central chief said that no shops should remain open, even in local streets.
The JI chief urged shopkeepers and the public to support the strike, describing it as a movement for the rights of people and businesspeople.
In a related development, President of All Pakistan Anjuman Tajran, Ajmal Baloch, confirmed that the August 28 strike was organised solely by businesspeople and not any political party.
Baloch stated that the strike would see all small and large shops across Pakistan closed.
Read more: JI stages sit-in outside CM house in Lahore
The JI central chief reported that the federal interior minister contacted him regarding the implementation of an agreement on reducing electricity bills, made previously with Jamaat-e-Islami.
He stated that the party will continue to push for this agreement with public support and may call for a long march if necessary.