RAWALPINDI:
Jamaat-e-Islami’s protest against high electricity prices, exorbitant taxes, and inflation has entered its 10th day at Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh, Express News reported.
Despite cloudy skies and pleasant weather in Rawalpindi, the determination of the protestors remains steadfast. Participants were served naan and hot halwa for breakfast.
Two rounds of negotiations between Jamaat-e-Islami and government committees have so far failed to produce any results. Deputy Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami, Liaqat Baloch, is expected to announce the party’s next steps in a press conference.
Jamaat-e-Islami has declared that the sit-in will continue until their demands are met and may extend the protest nationwide. Meanwhile, one side of Murree Road remains open for traffic, and business activities continue as usual.
Previously, JI postponed the sit-in scheduled for August 2 at D-Chowk in Islamabad. It was agreed that the rally would be held on July 26 now, as reported by Express News.
According to sources, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi contacted the leadership of Jamaat-e-Islami, requesting the postponement of the sit-in.
Read Jamaat-e-Islami forms committee to negotiate with govt
During a press conference in Lahore on Thursday, JI leader Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman stated that the sit-in date was changed due to the observance of Ashura.
He said that considering the requests from scholars and the security situation during Muharram, JI decided to postpone the sit-in until after Ashura.
Rehman criticised the government for its handling of electricity bills, claiming they have shaken the country. He highlighted that the middle class and traders are particularly distressed, with no segment of society spared by the government’s actions.
The JI leader warned of worsening conditions in the coming days, citing the recent increase in commercial electricity rates by Rs8 per unit. He questioned how economic improvement could be achieved under such circumstances, noting that even residential areas are not receiving relief.
The JI leader announced that instead of the sit-in, protests and camps would be held in all cities across the country on July 12, with further sit-ins in various cities on July 14. On July 24, convoys from different cities will head towards Islamabad.
