Jamaat-e-Islami sit-in in Pakistan has entered its third day, with the Government yet to make significant progress on any of its ten demands. According to the Government’s announcement, they have released the workers, but they still need to address these peripheral issues. Another round of talks is due today.
Details of the Negotiations
The first formal round of talks was held at the Commissioner’s Office in Rawalpindi on Sunday. The Government delegation included Information Minister Atta Tarar, Engineer Amir Muqam, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, and Badr Shahbaz. The Jamaat-e-Islami team comprised Liaqat Baloch, Ameer-ul-Azeem, Syed Farast Shah, and Nasrullah Randhawa.
After the meeting, Atta Tarar announced to the media that he had ordered the release of 35 Jamaat-e-Islami workers and said the discussions were held in a conducive atmosphere. He underlined the Government’s vision to keep the country running smoothly and mentioned subsidies already given to consumers for up to 200 units of electricity consumed.
Demands And Response From Both Sides
Jamaat-e-Islami had demanded broader economic relief measures along with policy changes. Atta Tarar announced at a news conference that they will form a technical committee to review ten of the party’s demands. Amir Muqam also pointed out the commonality between what JI wants and how much the Government could do within its financial constraints while expressing hope for a resolution.
Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry expressed similar views, urging JI leadership to think about the public suffering most due to these roadblocks and remain optimistic about future negotiations, saying, “Hope springs eternal.”
JI Stance
Vice President Jamaat-e-Islami Liaqat Baloch reiterated his commitment to making substantial progress towards fulfilling the demands during the sit-in. He said their demands are public-centric, not self-centric, and inflation has hit the commoner very hard.
He said IPPs (Independent Power Producers) were causing considerable losses to the national exchequer, so there was no need for the government to defend international agreements; current pacts with China, being an all-weather friend, should never become stumbling blocks.
Future Moves And Wider Ramifications
JI leader Hafiz Naeem, your Rehman, announced plans to take the protest countrywide today. He will stage a sit-in in front of Governor House Karachi on July 31, followed by similar demonstrations in Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta. He termed the ongoing protest successful, bringing people together against oppressive economic policies.
Rehman criticized handling IPP agreements besides calling for a revision in policies favoring few individuals over the masses; readiness expressed for protracted political struggle if needed to exert pressure on the Government for holistic reforms.
While the formation of a technical committee by govt indicates its willingness to listen to JI’s demands, continuing with the dharna reflects the urgency & popularity behind these demands. Today’s talk outcome is critical; both sides will determine the future action plan.
