Rawalpindi: Jamaat-e-Islami, in the meantime, has formed a four-member committee to negotiate with the government after accepting their offer. This development comes amid growing public anger over inflation and excessive taxes on electricity bills, which have triggered widespread protests.
Background of the Sit-In
It is pertinent to mention that Jamaat-e-Islami has been staging a sit-in at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi since July 26 against inflation and heavy taxes on electricity bills. Hundreds of party workers and supporters are present at the venue, and public unrest is visible as people express their dissatisfaction with the government’s economic policies.
Government’s Response
Following these protests, a delegation headed by Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, among others, reached the site where they addressed protestors’ concerns. The government’s main aim was to convince Jamaat-e Islami leadership to end their sit-in immediately. Still, they turned down this request, indicating the strength behind their demands and the gravity of the issues involved.
Formation of Negotiation Committee
Although they rejected its immediate cessation, JI showed willingness to negotiate with Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, who agreed from within the party rank himself being a prominent leader also constituted a members committee for negotiations wherein Vice President Liaquat Baloch would be heading it along with Ameer ul Azeem, Firasat Shah and Nasrullah Randhawa amongst others so appointed which step can well be called as important towards peaceable settlement of ongoing hostilities between two sides.
Upcoming Talks
The first round between the & JI is scheduled today; both Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman and Liaquat Baloch expressed hopefulness over the formation of a negotiators committee, thereby raising expectations among people that constructive dialogue might bring about some redress while keeping things under control in terms of maintaining public order.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s Demands
Sit-ins and subsequent negotiations are built around specific demands made by Jamaat-e-Islami, which aim at easing the economic burden on the public. These include;
Electricity Bill Relief: 50% discount on bills for consumers using 500 units monthly.
Petroleum Levy Abolition: The abolition of petroleum development levy.
Petroleum Price Rollback: Reversal recent increase in petrol prices.
Price Reduction of Essentials: 20% decrease in prices of essential commodities
Non-Development Expenditure Cut: 35% reduction in non-development expenditures.
IPPs Agreement Termination: Capacity payment & dollar agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) should be terminated.
Tax Reduction on Agriculture and Industry: Reduce taxes by 50% against the agriculture sector and industrialists.
Relief for Salaried Class’: oppressive tax burdening salaried class must be withdrawn completely or partially if possible because it has become unbearable for them now due to high inflation rates, etcetera
Tax Collection from Privileged Class Ensuring that taxes are collected from the privileged class
Rawalpindi’s sit-in continues now, and its following negotiations mark a critical phase in Pakistan’s politics. The creation of a bargaining committee and the elaborate demands. By this party show that immediate economic reforms are required to address public complaints. While these talks started, people hoped that they would end peacefully. However, they also considered citizens’ needs and the government’s economic situation.
