The federal government has formed a three-member committee to negotiate with the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leadership. The JI leadership has expressed willingness to negotiate provided the government listens to their demands and resolves. The JI has also warned that if its demands are not heard, it will move to the D-Chowk area of the federal capital and will not leave until this protest’s purpose is fully served. JI Emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman said the JI workers are charged and committed to going any length of the protest.
On the other hand, the JI Emir has expressed his discontent on the government committee formed to negotiate for talks to resolve the issues. Addressing the press conference, he said that the arrested workers should be released immediately so that further talks could be initiated to resolve the issues.
Earlier, the federal interior minister Mohsin Naqvi also contacted JI senior leader Liaqat Baloch to resolve the issues. According to reports, Naqvi had contacted to inquire about the demands of Jamaat-e-Islami sit-in. He was informed about the high electricity prices, and that this should be reduced to at least 50 percent of the current rates.
Addressing the protesters, he said that Muree Road could be blocked in seconds if he gave a call even to the lady workers of the party. He said, “Those who say for new elections are not serving Pakistan as the matter is not about new elections, it is about the matter that those who won this election should be given the government.” He said educated people were leaving the country, people were unable to pay the electricity bills because these bills were more than the rent, they were for their accommodation or their rented houses. He said their foremost demand was the government that came into power on Farm 47 should be ended.
The government’s committee comprised Information Minister Atta Ullah Tarar, MNA Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, and Ameer Muqam. The information said the JI was permitted to launch its protest at Liaqat Bagh Rawalpindi, but now it says to move to Islamabad. He said moving to Islamabad would not be allowed and should be discouraged. The committee will listen to the JI’s leadership and then will decide, he said.
Earlier, the JI chief said his party is committed to its cause and will not leave Islamabad without getting due relief. Addressing the participants of the sit-in at the I-8 area of Islamabad, he said the protestors are committed to the cause – to get relief for the masses – and will not leave Islamabad without getting due relief.
Despite facing raids and arrests, he praised the large turnout, stating it reflects widespread dissatisfaction with the current system. He criticized the imposition of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and the burden of high electricity bills, demanding their reduction. He said that those in the government own these companies. have these He also called for a decrease in taxes and the release of arrested workers. He vowed to bring justice to the 250 million people of Pakistan and termed the government as a “fascist.” He asserted the JI is committed to a peaceful protest and not prone to violence.
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