Hafiz Naeem warns govt of intensified protests over ‘fascist tactics’

JI chief reiterated that sit-in might persist for a month if demands are not met

ISLAMABAD:

Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), has issued a stern warning to the government to cease its alleged fascist tactics or face intensified protests.

Over the past two days, the Punjab government has been accused of arresting more than 200 JI workers, including senior members, according to Naeem.

"The government’s actions are indicative of fascism," Naeem said while addressing participants of his party’s sit-in at Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh on Saturday, the second day of the demonstration. "Even our elders have not been spared. Workers are still being arrested in Lahore, and FIRs are being registered."

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Naeemur Rehman stressed that fascism and negotiations cannot coexist, demanding the immediate release of all detained individuals and the dismissal of charges against them. He noted that Liaquat Baloch has been authorised to begin preliminary discussions with the government's negotiation committee.

"We will announce our negotiation team once our concerns are addressed. We are fighting for the 250 million people of Pakistan," he added.

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The JI chief also voiced concern over the disillusionment of Pakistani youth regarding their future. "We are advocating for a better future for Pakistan, the development of industries, and addressing the concerns of youth who are considering leaving the country. Our goal is to ensure they receive the best education and employment opportunities within Pakistan and contribute to the nation's development."

Naeemur Rehman clarified that JI’s sit-in is not driven by personal agendas but aims to pressure the government to regulate Independent Power Producers (IPPs). He criticised the influence of IPP owners in successive governments and vowed not to allow these power producers to continue their operations without accountability.

"We seek to reduce electricity tariffs through peaceful political struggle, exercising our rights according to the Constitution and law. Anyone who thinks we will disperse after a few days is under a crude illusion. We will stay and decide our actions daily," he asserted.

He demanded the immediate closure of IPPs with expired contracts and the revision of terms for the remaining ones. Additionally, he called for a forensic audit of IPPs involved in alleged forgery, noting that large industrialists are now forced to make instalment payments on their electricity bills for the first time in the country’s history.

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"We are committed to continuing our political struggle for reducing electricity tariffs. Our workers believe we should move to D Chowk. If the government assumes the sit-in will remain on Murree Road, it is mistaken. If there is no serious reduction in electricity bills, the sit-in will escalate," he warned.

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.