Address by Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Lahore, Zia-ud-Din Ansari Advocate, at Syed Maududi Islamic Center
Lahore: A significant press conference was held at Syed Maududi Islamic Center under the auspices of Jamaat-e-Islami Lahore, where Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Lahore, Zia-ud-Din Ansari Advocate, strongly criticized the government over prolonged electricity and gas load shedding, rising inflation, unemployment, and delays in local government elections.
The press conference was also attended by Deputy Ameers of Jamaat-e-Islami Lahore Khalid Ahmad Butt, President Public Aid Committee Qaiser Sharif, Secretary Shahid Naveed Malik, and trader leader Khurram Asghar Butt. Zia-ud-Din Ansari Advocate stated that unannounced and extended electricity load shedding has become routine in Lahore, with reports of outages lasting up to 6 to 7 hours in densely populated areas. He said this situation has caused severe distress among citizens and has significantly disrupted both domestic life and business activities.
He further said that excessive load shedding combined with threats of increasing electricity prices is clear evidence of government inefficiency and anti-people policies. Lahore, being a major economic hub generating billions of rupees in daily business, is suffering heavily due to the ongoing energy crisis. The Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Lahore termed the delay in local government elections by the Punjab government as unconstitutional, stating that the current local government law contradicts the Constitution and must be amended immediately. He added that the provincial government is not serious about devolving powers to the grassroots level, resulting in worsening civic issues in Lahore. He demanded an immediate reduction in petroleum product prices and urged the government to adopt a smart and sector-wise policy instead of complete lockdowns, so that businesses and livelihoods can be protected. Zia-ud-Din Ansari Advocate warned that if the ongoing electricity and gas load shedding continues, Jamaat-e-Islami reserves the right to protest. He reiterated that Jamaat-e-Islami stands with the public and will continue its struggle to protect their rights at all levels.
