Jamaat-e-Islami’s sit-in against inflation and electricity bills has entered its 10th day in Rawalpindi, with participants steadfast in their demands. There has been no progress in negotiations between the government and Jamaat-e-Islami, and the leader of Jamaat-e-Islami has also hinted at starting a “Do Not Pay Bills” movement.
To press for their 10 demands, including the hefty electricity bills, Jamaat-e-Islami’s sit-in at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi continues into its 10th day.
Clouds have covered Rawalpindi, making the weather pleasant. Participants were served naan and hot halwa for breakfast, and after the meal, the workers are energized, declaring that the sit-in will not end without fulfilling their demands.
No results have been achieved yet from the rounds of talks between the government’s negotiation committee and Jamaat-e-Islami to resolve the issue through dialogue.
According to the sit-in leadership, the government is not taking their demands seriously. “We have options available to us,” they said.
Jamaat-e-Islami leader Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has hinted at starting the “Do Not Pay Bills” movement and has decided to extend the series of sit-ins nationwide.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s Sit-in Outside Governor House in Karachi
After Rawalpindi, Jamaat-e-Islami has also started a sit-in outside the Governor House in Karachi.
Despite the implementation of Section 144 in the Red Zone, Jamaat-e-Islami workers, led by Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi leader Munim Zafar Khan, reached the Governor House in Karachi to protest against inflation and electricity bills.
Speaking at the sit-in, Munim Zafar Khan said that in response to Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman’s call, the people of Karachi are gathered in front of the Governor House. “Today is the second day of our sit-in outside the Governor House. Our demands are clear. In Sindh, people’s lives are being destroyed, and oppression has been ongoing for a long time. Our demand is to end the unjust agreements with IPPs.”
The leader of Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi said that the rulers have imposed cruel taxes on the salaried class and collected billions from the public through unjust agreements with IPPs. They have even imposed taxes on children’s milk. The additional tax on the salaried class should be withdrawn.
Munim Zafar Khan further said that the salaried class now fears their salaries being taxed, while the feudal class, owning thousands of acres of land, remains untaxed. He criticized the business-unfriendly schemes imposed under the guise of business-friendly initiatives and called for the end of perks for military and government officials.
He stated that the Governor is a representative of the federation, which enters into agreements with K-Electric. The federal government, including PML-N, PPP, and MQM, are part of this, and MQM supports K-Electric while shedding crocodile tears. Jamaat-e-Islami is fighting the people’s case. Their “Give Rights to People” movement has started, and the sit-in in Rawalpindi continues.
The Government is Sending a Message that the Demands are Unfeasible, Says Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman
Munim Zafar Khan mentioned that there will be a large gathering after Maghrib prayer, where Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan leader Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman will participate. He criticized the poor state of Karachi after the rains and blamed Murtaza Wahab’s KMC and Water Board for not working with the towns.
The day before, addressing a sit-in in Islamabad, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman said that the nation needs relief, which is why they have staged a sit-in. They are making history with peaceful political resistance. If their demands are not met, they have the option to escalate the protest beyond Murree Road.
Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman stated that the sit-in in Karachi has also begun, and it would be effective to hold a sit-in outside the Chief Minister’s House in Lahore. He added that they have the option of strikes and not submitting electricity bills, a demand also being raised by traders. The Prime Minister’s statements show his concern. If the government does not accept their demands, the series of sit-ins will continue to expand.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s leader said that 80% of the youth do not want to stay in the country. “We consider politics as worship, but this politics is done for corruption. The government should not hide but come forward. Let’s negotiate on stage. Tell us why IPPs are not reined in and their perks reduced.”
