Rawalpindi: The sit-in by Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan has entered its fourth day, and the government has turned the possibility of negotiations into a joke as the second round of negotiations between the Pakistani government and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) failed to take place on Monday, exacerbating tensions amid an ongoing sit-in at Liaquat Bagh Chowk Murree Road. The talks were aimed at addressing JI’s economic and political demands but were halted. Moreover, Jamaat-e-Islami’s women supporters were barred from joining the protest.
According to media reports, the second round of talks between the government committee and Jamaat-e-Islami committee was scheduled to begin on Monday. The government’s technical committee had earlier convened at the commissioner’s office in Rawalpindi to review the demands presented by Jamaat-e-Islami. However, no further discussions occurred, with security staff indicating they had received no instructions for a scheduled meeting and the employees of the commissioner’s office left for home.
The convoy of women coming to participate in the Jamaat-e-Islami sit-in was stopped, leading them to stage a sit-in on Multan Road in Lahore.
Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, Emir of Jamaat-e-Islami, reiterated the party’s resolve to continue the protest until their demands are met. He highlighted the impact of high electricity bills despite the presence of solar systems and criticized the privileges enjoyed by MPs and bureaucrats.
Rehman outlined the party’s demands, which include a 50% reduction in electricity rates for consumers using up to 500 units, a rollback of recent petroleum price hikes, and the abolition of certain taxes. Jamaat-e-Islami also seeks a reduction in non-developmental government expenditure and revisions to agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
Sirajul Haq, former emir of Jamaat-e-Islami, criticized Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during an address to the protestors, urging the government not to wait for “dead bodies to fall” before responding to the demands. Haq condemned the ruling elite for widespread corruption and economic mismanagement, questioning the effectiveness of leaders like Asif Zardari in addressing these issues.
Haq highlighted the economic hardships faced by ordinary Pakistanis, contrasting them with the opulent lifestyles of government officials. He criticized the government’s handling of foreign currency and economic policies, suggesting a lack of progress compared to other nations.
It is worth noting that under the leadership of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan’s Amir, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, a sit-in is being held at Liaquat Bagh Chowk on Murree Road in Rawalpindi against inflation and the significant increase in electricity prices. The government had offered negotiations, but there was no contact today. Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman stated that the government has no other option but to meet their demands, and any delay in this matter will harm the rulers themselves.
Key Demands from Jamaat-e-Islami
Jamaat-e-Islami’s list of ten demands focuses on alleviating the economic burden on the public, including:
- Immediate withdrawal of recent petroleum price hikes and the abolition of the petroleum levy.
- A 20% reduction in the prices of essential items and the elimination of taxes on stationery.
- A 35% reduction in non-developmental government expenditure.
- Revision of agreements with IPPs to eliminate capacity charges and dollar payments.
- Abolition of illegal taxes on agriculture and industry, with a 50% reduction in the tax burden.
- Promotion of industry, trade, and investment to create employment opportunities for the youth.
- Removal of taxes on the salaried class and inclusion of the privileged class in the tax net.
The failure to initiate the second round of talks raises concerns about the government’s responsiveness to the economic grievances expressed by Jamaat-e-Islami and its supporters. The situation remains fluid, with potential for escalation if a resolution is not reached soon.
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