Rawalpindi: Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, the Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), has issued a stern ultimatum, announcing plans to expand ongoing protests to Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta within two days if immediate demands regarding inflation are not addressed. During a press conference at the current sit-in at Liaquat Bagh Chowk, Rawalpindi, Hafiz Naeem highlighted the public’s determination and resilience, emphasizing that the protests, now in their fourth day, will persist until their demands are met.
Protest Against High Electricity Bills and Government Inaction
Hafiz Naeem pointed out the burden of high electricity bills and criticized the government’s failure to address the issue. He warned that the protests might escalate to a march to Islamabad’s D-Chowk if necessary. He condemned the government’s unjust arrangements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), revealing that 70 to 80 percent of IPPs are non-operational due to contractual issues, with the government holding shares in 52 percent of them.
Key Demands and Criticisms
- Legal Audit of IPPs: Hafiz Naeem demanded a legal audit of the IPPs and the elimination of capacity charges, highlighting the unnecessary taxes on electricity bills. He insisted that electricity prices should be based on actual production costs.
- End Government Perks: He called for an end to government perks, questioning why WAPDA officers and other officials receive free electricity and fuel. He suggested that the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and judges should be limited to 1300cc vehicles to reduce the public burden, recalling former Prime Minister Junejo’s precedent of 1000cc vehicles for all.
- Reduction of Taxes on Essentials: Naeem called for the elimination of levies on petrol and taxes on essential goods like flour, sugar, and pulses, which are crippling industries and causing unemployment.
Call for Political Unity
Hafiz Naeem urged all political parties to join their struggle, advising supporters to focus on government actions rather than internal party disputes. Hafiz Naeem concluded by criticizing the government’s compliance with IMF demands while ignoring their own excessive spending. He proposed that engaging in dialogue with China, given its long-standing support for Pakistan, could amicably resolve the country’s economic issues.
Women’s Participation and Government Criticism
Despite difficulties in Lahore, Hafiz Naeem noted a significant number of women would join the protest, criticizing the government, which he described as being controlled by a single family, for creating hurdles and worsening the situation.
The JI Chief’s warning signifies a crucial juncture in the ongoing protests, as the public’s frustration with inflation and government policies continues to grow.
