JI chief says sit-in not called off, only postponed

Hafiz Naeem says the government has been given time to address taxes on electricity bills

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Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, announced that the party has postponed its sit-in following a detailed agreement with the government.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Hafiz Naeem stated that the party had achieved its objectives through the protest. However, he added that the sit-in has also been postponed and not called off.

JI chief noted that the agreement with the government allows for a 30-day review of electricity bills by a joint committee of the government and JI.

He emphasised that the party has given the government time to implement measures to reduce expenses and address public concerns, particularly about taxes imposed on electricity under the guise of fuel adjustment.

The JI leader criticised the current political landscape, asserting that issues affecting the public are often ignored.

He stressed that his party has consistently worked on public issues as a duty, urging the government to act on the agreement to alleviate the burdens on the populace.

Earlier, JI had announced a series of protests starting with a march towards Islamabad, from Liaquat Bagh, where it has been holding a sit-in for twelve days.

The protests would continue with a sit-in in Lahore on August 11 and another in Peshawar on August 12, followed by a nationwide shutdown call immediately after August 14 (Independence Day).

The announcements were made during a press conference by JI leader at the protest site.

Speaking on the occasion, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman stated, “We are here to seek relief, not to topple the government. Our demands must be met.”

He added that the Lahore sit-in should ideally take place in front of the Chief Minister’s House.