LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) will take out rallies against farmers exploitation at the hands of “sugar mafia” and the government from Dec 25, announced the party chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman. Addressing a press conference at Mansoorah on Thursday, he also announced plans for a “Million March” in solidarity with the people of Palestine, scheduled for Dec 29 in Islamabad. Rehman also strongly criticised members of the Punjab Assembly for approving a substantial salary increase for themselves, calling it an insult to the people. “At a time when the common man is struggling to make ends meet, these so-called representatives have chosen to prioritise their financial gains over public welfare,” he stated. He also expressed concern over the government’s restrictions on internet services, terming it a blow to freedom of speech and the youth’s employment in the digital age.He also criticised the United States for imposing sanctions on four Pakistani companies, urging the government to raise its voice against such actions. To a question, Rehman said the JI supports a dialogue between the government and the opposition parties. However, he pointed out that the government lacks legitimacy as it came to power through “electoral rigging”. On the issue of registration of seminaries, he advocated the continuation of dual registration methods, under the Societies Act, and the framework agreed upon by the representatives of these institutions in 2019. He expressed deep concern over the unrest in Kurram and Parachinar, urging both federal and provincial governments to fulfill their responsibility to establish peace in the region.