Rawalpindi: Jamaat-e-Islami’s Amir, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, has hinted at transforming the ongoing protest into a government-removal movement if demands to end IPP agreements and reduce electricity prices are not met.
Speaking at a press conference, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman stated that Jamaat-e-Islami’s demands are based on reality and welcomed industrialists to join the protest.
He claimed that their participation is proof that Jamaat-e-Islami can address these issues.
He criticized the government for failing to disclose the agreements with IPPs and for collecting payments for electricity that isn’t being produced.
He accused the government of looting billions through expired agreements and demanded their termination.
Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman emphasized that the protest would continue until the IPP agreements are reviewed.
He criticized the government’s perks and privileges, such as free petrol and electricity, and demanded that these be ended.
He also called for tax relief for the salaried class and urged the sale of luxury vehicles.
He pointed out that in the last agreement with the IMF, it was agreed that taxes would not be imposed on food items, education, and health, but these taxes were still introduced.
He accused the government of not taxing landowners because they are part of the ruling elite.
Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman suggested that the next round of negotiations be held publicly and warned that the protest could escalate into a government-removal movement if demands are not met.
The protest against taxes, inflation, and IPP agreements by Jamaat-e-Islami has been ongoing in Rawalpindi for the past six days, with two rounds of negotiations already held between the government and Jamaat-e-Islami.