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.
In a press conference today, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman assured that their protest is driven by the need to regulate Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and has no personal motives. He emphasized that the sit-in will persist until the rights of 250 million people are secured, criticizing the IPPs for exploiting the public and stating their contracts have expired.
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Despite the ability to march to D-Chowk and disrupt the sit-in, they chose restraint, but warned the government not to underestimate their resolve as more supporters are expected to join the protest soon.
The civil and military bureaucracy, landlords, and capitalists were accused by Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman of imposing economic policies on the public, making it impossible for even industrialists and traders in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Faisalabad to afford electricity bills or run their industries.
He accused the rulers of creating anarchy and warned that if negotiations are not handled correctly, electricity bills are not reduced, and salary slabs are not abolished, their pressure will intensify. The protest aims to show how to manage the economy effectively, intending to spread nationwide to demand relief for the people.
Continuous consultation is underway, with further announcements to come. Liaqat Baloch has been appointed as the responsible person for negotiations, but the government's appointed negotiator is not currently in the country, questioning the government's seriousness.
Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman urged the government to engage seriously with Liaqat Baloch and provide the necessary relief to the people, warning that all options, including a march to D-Chowk, remain open.
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.
"More than 80% of IPPs are owned by government personalities, and over 500 billion rupees are being paid to them from our pockets."
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.
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