Islamabad _ Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has contacted Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman and asked him to postpone the party’s long march.
According to a JI spokesperson, Shehbaz Sharif spoke to Hafiz Naeem by telephone after the JI chief reached Multan. The prime minister requested that the march be postponed.
Hafiz Naeem Responds to PM’s Request
Hafiz Naeem told the prime minister that JI does not want any law and order problem or confrontation with the government.
However, he said the party had taken to the streets to demand what it considers the rights of the people. He added that the government would have to address those demands.
Meanwhile, the JI spokesperson said the party would not give up its right to protest even if it agreed to postpone the march following the government’s request.
The spokesperson added that JI would consult its Shura before giving a formal response to the request.
JI Train March Reaches Multan
The Jamaat-e-Islami launched its “Super Long March” from Karachi on September 20. The campaign targets the petroleum levy and rising fuel costs.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has been leading the train march towards Islamabad. The procession travelled through Sindh before moving towards Punjab.
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According to the party, the march is part of its campaign for the withdrawal of the petroleum levy.
The government and JI have held several rounds of talks over the issue. Recent negotiations, however, have not produced a final agreement on the march.
