Rawalpindi: The final round of negotiations between the government and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) was successful, leading to an agreement. The government has agreed to reduce electricity prices and set up a task force to review contracts with 15 Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and terminated contracts with 6 IPPs. Following this, the Emir of Jamaat-e-Islami Hafiz Naeem announced the postponement of the sit-in.
Addressing the participants of the sit-in, JI’s Deputy Emir, Liaqat Baloch, stated that the party workers made history with their democratic efforts. He mentioned that despite facing several obstacles, including the arrest of many workers and the stopping of women’s rallies, the movement continued, and all detained workers were released.
He revealed that government representatives, Mohsin Naqvi and Attaullah Tarar, initiated contact and expressed a desire for negotiations. They were invited to the sit-in to meet with JI Emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman to discuss the issues, which led to the agreement.
Liaqat Baloch further mentioned that detailed negotiations were held at the Rawalpindi Commissioner’s office between committees formed by both the government and Jamaat-e-Islami. He noted that the government agreed to review IPP contracts through a thorough investigation and has formed a task force to complete this process within a month.
The agreement includes forming a task force that will assess 15 IPP contracts to provide relief to the public by reducing per-unit electricity prices. The government will involve representatives from WAPDA and FPCCI in this task force, with the aim of ensuring transparency and achieving financial stability. The government has also decided to revoke contracts with 6 IPPs.
Liaqat Baloch emphasized that the government has agreed to take several measures to reduce electricity costs and review the IPP setup, ensuring that these changes will result in direct savings for consumers.
Speaking at the occasion, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that electricity prices would soon be reduced and extended the deadline for payment of issued bills by 15 days.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar reiterated that the government is committed to fulfilling the promises made during the negotiations. He highlighted that the demands of Jamaat-e-Islami align with the government’s agenda and that steps will be taken to ensure the implementation of the agreed-upon measures.
JI Emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, while addressing the gathering, said that they expect the government to honor the commitments made in the agreement. He announced that JI will continue to monitor the situation and will not hesitate to mobilize nationwide protests again if necessary.
Hafiz Naeem also announced the launch of a nationwide public campaign under the slogan “Haq Do Awam Ko”, starting August 14, stressing that Jamaat-e-Islami is emerging as a significant political force in Pakistan, ready to address the country’s challenges, including rising electricity bills and other pressing issues.
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