Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, told the crowd that all governments have always supported these companies. He added that Pakistanis own 80% of IPPs (Independent Power Producers). Now, the business of IPPs will close.
Despite the raid and arrest, workers reached Islamabad. We are not tired and will remain here with the same spirit. Are you ready for D-Chowk, if I say march on?
Hafiz Naeem your Rehman: Public Power Cannot be Stopped by Containers; We Want to Remain Peaceful
Hafiz Naeem, your Rehman, stated that the salaried class is being ruined, with electricity bills becoming more burdensome than house rent. The middle class is struggling to survive, and industrialists are shutting down factories due to the heavy burden of electricity bills.
Murder over Electricity Bill
A brother killed his sibling in Gujranwala over an electricity bill, says The Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami. People sell household stuff to pay bills and now rents less than electricity bills.
Reining in the IPPs
The people are worried, but the government is careless about it. The IPPs need to be reined in. Why should the public pay for idle plants? Even mill owners are forced to shut down their mills as investors. Levy taxes on landlords, remove taxes from people’s bills, and exempt taxes from the salaried class.
He stated that the government lies and says negotiations with IPPs cannot be done. What compulsions do not allow negotiations with IPPs? Also, electricity companies are owned by people within the government.
Increase in Government Privileges
He said the present government has no credibility because all its decisions contradict the public interest. They have increased their privileges by 25%—enough suspense, so they have got to abandon those benefits.
Youth Forced to Leave the Country
The current government has let down the youth, according to Jamaat-e-Islami’s Ameer. Educated people in Pakistan are leaving the country. In Pakistan, free quality education is a right for all.
At this point, protesters began shouting slogans demanding rights for the people and a changing system. Hafiz Naeem, your Rehman responded that it would not continue; you would have to give the people rights. We are doing this sit-in as an act of Ibadat. The situation is grave because Jamaat-e-Islami represents 250 million people.
Talk of Re-Elections
He said there is talk of re-elections, which means more ‘business as usual.’ Talk about unnecessary re-elections betrays a nexus. Elections again in Pakistan are unnecessary; only formation should be done under Form 45. There can never be any loyal party member or patriot who talks about re-elections. A judicial commission must investigate election rigging.
Negotiations with the Government
Hafiz Naeem, your Rehman, said a committee will soon be formed to negotiate with the government. The committee will handle negotiations. If the government shows similar seriousness, we shall also respond thoughtfully. Until the government concludes, the sit-in remains intact.
The Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami further said that government authorities must immediately release all our workers if they want us to consider their case severe enough.
Preparation for March to D-Chowk
Hafiz Naeem, your Rehman stated that we will not let the sit-in shrink; we must enlarge it. If you haven’t offered the prayer of Ishaa, do it now. No one has specified a time frame.
In his address, the Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami asked if they were ready for a one-month sit-in. We must maintain order; youngsters shall present speeches and recite poetry. Everyone should stay here with love and affection.
Jamaat-e-Islami Unveils Plan B After Raids and Arrests and announces Sit-ins at Three Places. Hafiz Naeem, your Rehman, stated that their women’s wing is prepared and will join the protest if it is announced tomorrow.
