ISLAMABAD:
The Jamaat-e-Islami’s (JI) sit-in against rising inflation and increased electricity bills continues for a second consecutive day at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi.
A large number of participants were present, with the sit-in organisers providing breakfast for everyone. Participants have vowed to continue the sit-in until their demands are met.
“We are prepared to hold the sit-in for a month and will establish a settlement at Liaquat Bagh if necessary,” stated Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman.
He lamented how the power bills have crippled the citizens and traders alike, saying that people are now forced to sell their belongings and some have even turned to crime due to financial strain. He also demanded the termination of agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), accusing them of bleeding the nation dry.
The JI chief also demanded the government end the IPP business and reduce its expenses to provide relief to the public.
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“More than 80% of IPPs are owned by government personalities, and over 500 billion rupees are being paid to them from our pockets.”
Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman is scheduled to address a press conference at 11 AM to outline the future course of action.
However, due to the protest, Murree Road from Marrir Hassan to Committee Chowk remains completely closed. The Metro Bus Service is also suspended for the second day, causing significant inconvenience to commuters. The suspension, from Saddar to Faizabad, has left many travelers between Rawalpindi and Islamabad in difficulty.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar also accused JI of breaching the agreement with the government about concluding their protest against inflation with a rally at Liaquat Bagh.
