Addressing a press conference at the ongoing party meeting in Islamabad, Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman emphasized the importance of the protest, which is now in its fourth day.
Rehman described the sit-in as a powerful symbol of courage and a beacon of hope for people across Pakistan who are struggling with severe inflation and exorbitant electricity bills.
Rehman criticized the Punjab government’s recent actions, saying that it was obstructing women who were trying to join the protest in Lahore. He condemned the erecting of barriers to prevent women from voicing their grievances and emphasized that the historic women’s demonstration at Liaquat Bagh was part of the negotiations.
Pointing out the financial problems faced by citizens, Rehman pointed out that electricity bills have become unaffordable and often exceed the income of many individuals. “People are committing suicide because of inflation and electricity bills,” he claimed.
He has expressed frustration with government policies, particularly the continuation of independent power producer (IPP) deals, which he says are harmful and unfair.
He also insisted that they were unacceptable. He demanded that electricity prices reflect real costs, not arbitrary figures, and called for a review of the privileges granted to high-ranking officials who receive free electricity and use luxury vehicles.
Rehman reiterated his concerns that the IPP contracts were deceptive, questioned the basis for extending them in 2019 and called for a review of agreements with Chinese companies. He suggested that the recent drop in gasoline prices could be a direct result of sit-in pressure.
Rehman also criticized that WAPDA officials among other government officials got free electricity. “We pay expenses for luxury vehicles of civil servants,” he lamented. “All officers, including the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers, should travel in 1300 CC official vehicles.
Earlier, he claimed, such rallies were held at someone’s dictate, adding that JI does not take orders from anyone. “The south will stage a retreat at Liaquat Bagh in the interest of peace after avoiding clashes,” he noted.
He also claimed that whatever the government’s body language, he was definitely worried.
Rehman called on all political parties to support the sit-in, stressing that the protest represented a collective national demand rather than a political agenda. He called for political unity and public participation to address current issues and avoid conflict.
Despite the government’s apparent indifference, Rehman claimed that the administration is worried about the impact of the protest. He reiterated that the demands of the negotiations are public and emphasized that there is no deadline for meeting these demands in order to reach a constructive dialogue and solution.
Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami has announced to end its sit-in on Mansoora-Multan Road. The local leadership said the main sit-in was underway and there were no two sit-ins. Following the instruction of the management, the women who participated in the protest started to leave.
