Rawalpindi: Liaquat Baloch, Deputy Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami, has stated that the government is not addressing the public’s rights and demands but is instead engaging in deceptive tactics with coalition partners like MQM, which Jamaat-e-Islami will not allow to succeed.
Speaking at a press conference at the Rawalpindi sit-in location, Baloch criticized the Prime Minister for engaging in negative politics regarding public issues.
He noted that payments to electricity production agencies from 2013 to 2023 were made as capacity payments, despite the transmission system only being able to handle up to 23,000 megawatts, while production capacity was increased to 35,000 megawatts.
Government policies have destabilized the economic structure.
Baloch mentioned that today is the tenth day of the sit-in, and the struggle for public rights continues robustly.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s Amir, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, is leading a sit-in in front of the Governor’s House in Karachi and will address the nation from there.
The sit-in has evolved into a national movement, with jewelers and traders from Peshawar joining in.
The hashtag “Give Jamaat-e-Islami Its Rights” is trending on social media.
He stated that Pakistan is facing severe economic and structural crises, with the government’s authority being ineffective, leading to widespread instability and chaos.
The constitution is being violated, and there is a strong public desire for the success of the sit-in, with citizens, including mothers and daughters, praying for its success.
People are troubled by the high electricity and petrol rates, and the increase in taxes has distressed the trading community.
Baloch criticized government ministers, stating that negotiations were not their preference; rather, the government had reached out, and Jamaat-e-Islami presented its demands.
The government committee had no option but to address these demands.
He emphasized that the Prime Minister should take action to resolve public issues, suggesting that resolving these issues could help Pakistan overcome its problems.
He also accused the government of trying to blackmail, promising to protect all WAPDA employees’ jobs.
Chambers of Commerce nationwide are demanding a forensic audit of IPPs (Independent Power Producers), urging the government to review these agreements.
The IMF has suggested reducing circular debt, but electricity bills are becoming increasingly difficult for the public to pay.
The audit report of IPPs released by the Auditor General is being presented at the sit-in.
Every agreement has room for review, and the burden of IPPs has become a trap for the public. Pakistan’s friendship with China is strong, and China always provides relief.
Baloch added that the government committee suggested speaking with the Prime Minister, and they have moved to the next phase.
Sit-ins have started in Karachi, with Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta also planned.
He criticized MQM for its blackmailing politics and said that by aligning with such allies, the government has only brought humiliation upon itself.
On the other hand, Jamaat-e-Islami’s sit-in against expensive electricity, exorbitant taxes, and inflation continues for the tenth consecutive day at Liaquat Bagh Chowk on Murree Road.
Jamaat-e-Islami has also announced a sit-in in front of the Governor’s House in Karachi, where the party’s Amir has arrived and will address the public via video link from Rawalpindi.