Jamat-e-Islami protests have intensified against inflation and high electricity bills. Jamat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman announced nationwide demonstrations. He criticized the government for its agreements with independent power producers (IPPs). These agreements have led to exorbitant electricity bills.
At a sit-in at Rawalpindi’s Murree Road, Hafiz Naeem declared the first phase of protests in front of Karachi’s governor house. He announced subsequent protests in Lahore and Multan. The announcement followed his Saturday warning. He threatened to expand the sit-in if the government did not meet their demands.
Today marks the fifth day of the Jamat-e-Islami protest. The government team did not attend the second round of talks on Monday. On Sunday, a three-member government delegation met the Jamat-e-Islami negotiation committee. The meeting took place at the Rawalpindi commissioner’s office. The Jamat-e-Islami protests are demanding renegotiation of IPP agreements.
The Jamat-e-Islami’s demands include:
- Abolition of the Petroleum Development Levy on all petroleum products.
- Withdrawal of the latest price increases on these products.
- A 20% reduction in food prices, electricity, and gas tariffs.
- Renegotiation of agreements with IPPs.
- Ending the IPP payment clause in US dollars.
- A 50% discount on power consumption for 500 units.
- Reduction of taxes on agriculture and industry, decreasing their financial burden by 50%.
- Incentives for the industrial sector to provide youth employment.
- Withdrawal of increased taxes on the salaried class and imposing taxes on the privileged class.
- A 35% cut in non-development expenses.
- Removal of all taxes on stationery and educational items.
Speaking in Rawalpindi, Hafiz Naeem criticized the government’s policies. He said they are causing business closures. He demanded a reduction in electricity prices and an audit of the IPPs. He gave the government a two-day ultimatum to meet their demands.
JI Karachi Chief Munem Zafar echoed Hafiz Naeem’s remarks. He called for an end to agreements with IPPs and K-Electric, Karachi’s main electricity provider.
The government is hopeful about resolving the IPP issue with Jamat-e-Islami. Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik expressed optimism on media. He said the government aims to reach a solution with Hafiz Naeem’s party on reviewing IPP agreements. Malik hinted at a reduction in electricity prices soon.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has set up multiple committees to ease the financial burden on citizens. Malik noted that the government would cover additional electricity expenses for 86% of residential houses. The government has already allocated Rs50 billion for this purpose.
The Jamat-e-Islami protests continue to demand significant changes. They seek relief from high inflation and excessive electricity bills. The government and Jamat-e-Islami will need to negotiate further to reach a resolution.