Deputy chief of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and head of the party’s negotiating committee, Liaquat Baloch, stated on Sunday that the government’s negotiating team has no option but to address the party’s demands.
Speaking at a JI rally in Rawalpindi, Baloch urged the government to direct the bureaucracy to find solutions that would provide relief to the public. He advised the prime minister to act sincerely in resolving the issues raised by the protesters.
Baloch noted that the impact of the JI protests in Rawalpindi has already started to affect the ruling authorities. He mentioned that the government has expressed willingness to negotiate, and JI’s team has engaged with the ministers’ committee.
He criticised the government for the heavy financial burden placed on the people, citing exorbitant electricity charges, taxes on petroleum and agriculture, and the increased income tax burden on employees. he stated that these issues need to be addressed urgently.
Addressing concerns about Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Baloch refuted claims of international constraints, asserting that 92% of IPP ownership is Pakistani.
He revealed that a technical committee has been formed for negotiations, and the government’s committee will deliberate tonight. Baloch concluded that JI’s delegation will only leave once tangible relief measures for the public have been secured.
