In a press conference at the party's ongoing sit-in in Islamabad, Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman highlighted the significance of the protest, 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 grappling with severe inflation and exorbitant electricity bills.
Rehman criticized the Punjab government's recent actions, stating that they obstructed women who sought to join the protest in Lahore. He condemned the erection of barriers aimed at stopping women from voicing their grievances and emphasized that the sit-in includes a historic demonstration by women at Liaquat Bagh.
Highlighting the financial struggles faced by citizens, Rehman pointed out that electricity bills have become unaffordable, often exceeding the income of many individuals. "People are committing suicides due to inflation and electricity bills," he claimed.
He expressed frustration over the government's policies, particularly the continuation of agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) that he claims are harmful and unjust. "Pakistan cannot afford the path of conflict," the JI leader maintained.
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Rehman also took issue with additional taxes on electricity bills, questioning why this tax should be paid. He also insisted that they were unacceptable. He demanded that electricity prices reflect actual costs rather than arbitrary figures, and called for a review of privileges granted to high-ranking officials who receive free electricity and use luxury vehicles.
Echoing his concern about the IPP contracts being deceptive, Rehman questioned the basis of their extension in 2019 and urged a reassessment of agreements with Chinese companies. He suggested that the recent reduction in petrol prices might be a direct result of the sit-in's pressure.
Rehman also criticized that WAPDA officials among other government officers enjoyed free electricity. "We pay the expenses of luxury vehicles of government officials," he regretted. "All officers, including the prime minister and chief ministers, should travel in 1300CC official vehicles."
Earlier, he claimed, such rallies were held on someone's dictation, adding that the JI did not take orders from anyone. "The JI is staging a sit-in at Liaquat Bagh for the sake of peace after avoiding the clashes," he remarked.
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He also claimed that whatever the government's body language may be, but it was definitely worried.
Rehman invited all political parties to support the sit-in, emphasizing that the protest represents a collective national demand rather than a party-specific agenda. He urged political unity and public participation to address the issues at hand and avoid conflict.
Despite the government’s apparent indifference, Rehman asserted that the administration is concerned about the protest's impact. He reiterated that the sit-in's demands are public and emphasized that there is no deadline for meeting these demands, aiming for constructive dialogue and resolution.
Meanwhile, the Jamaat-e-Islami announced to end its sit-in on the Mansoora-Multan Road. The local leadership said the main sit-in was underway, and there were no two sit-ins. After the leadership's instructions, the women who participated in the protest started leaving.
