JI announces July 12 sit-in in Islamabad against heavy taxes, high utility prices

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Monday announced a sit-in in Islamabad on July 12 to protest against heavy taxes and high utility prices, including electricity and gas. The announcement was made during a press conference at Mansoora, Lahore.

"The country is currently facing a severe crisis. Electricity bills have forced everyone to suffer. People are selling their jewellery to pay these bills. Just yesterday, the prices of gas and petrol were increased. We cannot leave the nation alone at this time," Rehman said.

He emphasised that Jamaat-e-Islami is considering a nationwide strike. "We will force the government to abolish these oppressive taxes. After increasing petrol and gas prices, they are now imposing IMF's taxes," he added.

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Rehman criticised high-ranking officials who receive free petrol and electricity. "A limited class is prospering while the middle class is being wiped out. Those earning two to three hundred thousand rupees are severely troubled. If their taxes are deducted, how will they manage? They want to burden the public with more taxes. Landlords are not being taxed. The affluent are enjoying luxuries," he said.

He further condemned the taxes on electricity bills and the levies on petrol. "These taxes are filling the pockets of those who have already eaten billions. The government feels no shame. The Prime Minister proudly says the budget was made in collaboration with the IMF. The government is stuck in a state of mental backwardness and subservience," Rehman concluded.