Hafiz Naeem demands COAS Gen Asim to relinquish "extra perks, privileges"

Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has demanded the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir and bureaucrats to relinquish their additional perks and privileges, citing the "need for equality and fairness" in the country.

"The country is facing brain drain, and it's essential that the Army Chief announces the withdrawal of extra privileges," Hafiz Naeem said while addressing a media group's dinner in Lahore.

"Unnecessary privileges should also be withdrawn from bureaucrats," he added.

The former JI Karachi chief said that the country is suffering from a severe crisis, with wealth and people leaving Pakistan.

"The conditions of colleges and universities are deteriorating," the former Mayor Karachi nominee said.

The JI chief also demanded a reduction in electricity tariffs, saying that "the landlords are enjoying luxury, while the small farmers are suffering."

It's pertinent to mention here that JI has announced a sit-in in Islamabad on July 12 to protest against heavy taxes and high utility prices, including electricity and gas.

Mr Naeem reiterated that the purpose of their sit-in is to ensure that people receive their due rights. 

"If Jamaat-e-Islami doesn't take the lead, the nation will either completely succumb to oppression or descend into anarchy," he warned.

"We want to create a society where everyone is equal, and there are no special privileges for the elite," Hafiz Naeem concluded.