Protests were organized in 20 cities across Pakistan

A large number of progressive party leaders from all four provinces, including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as lawyers, journalists, and civil society activists, participated in the demonstration held in front of the National Press Club, Islamabad. The protest was led by Nisar Shah Advocate, National Coordinator of the Alliance Against Inequality. Other prominent participants included Mudassar Mehboob Advocate, Mumtaz Ahmed Arzoo, Akhtar Hussain Advocate, Farzana Bari, Master Jamil, Qazi Imdad, Najaf Ali, Shah Rukn, Dr. Bashir, Syedlal Shah, and Mrs. Umra Samo. Addressing the protestors, Nisar Shah Advocate stated that Pakistan’s economic recovery is impossible without implementing land reforms and imposing wealth taxes on the rich. He argued that the current economic plan disproportionately benefits corporate capitalist companies while pushing natural resources further out of reach for the poor and the common people. He warned that these policies will exacerbate poverty and unemployment. He emphasized, “Real economic development is only achievable through land reforms and wealth taxation. Without curbing the excessive profiteering of billionaires, no meaningful progress can be made.” He pointed out that, like every year, a meeting is being held in Davos, Switzerland, on January 18, 2025, where leaders of wealthy countries will make critical economic decisions that negatively impact poor nations like Pakistan. “It is our duty to protest against these harmful policies that result in inflation, unemployment, and climate change,” he added. The “Fight Inequality Alliance Pakistan”, known in Urdu as “Unity Against Inequality”, along with the Pakistan Kisan Rabita Committee, organized protests in 16 cities. This movement, termed Red Line Action (“Dangerous Limit” or “Enough is Enough, No More Tolerance”), aims to raise awareness about capitalist exploitation. Nisar Shah Advocate warned that if these exploitative practices are not curbed, they will pose severe problems not only for humanity but for the entire planet. The protesters presented the following demands: 1.⁠ ⁠Curb the excesses of billionaire profiteers and stop the economic exploitation and destruction of workers. 2.⁠ ⁠End state subsidies for capitalists and redirect resources to public welfare. 3.⁠ ⁠Implement a minimum monthly wage of Rs. 37,000. 4.⁠ ⁠Halt the construction of six canals on the Indus River. 5.⁠ ⁠Abolish corporate farming and distribute land to small and landless farmers. 6.⁠ ⁠Provide at least Rs. 1 million to each victim of the 2022 floods for rebuilding homes. 7.⁠ ⁠Ensure that rich countries fulfill their promises regarding climate finance. 8.⁠ ⁠Replace loans to poor countries with urgent aid for environmental justice. 9.⁠ ⁠Pakistan should refuse exploitative loans and instead invest in poverty eradication and public welfare projects. He criticized the World Economic Forum, asserting that it has failed to propose any measures to eliminate poverty and instead predicts its increase. “This is the true nature of the current capitalist system, where wealth becomes concentrated in the hands of a few, leaving the vast majority in deprivation,” he remarked. The protesters reiterated their commitment to fight for justice, equity, and a fair economic system that uplifts the poor and marginalized.