RAWALPINDI: Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, has hinted that the talks could turn into an anti-government movement if the demands for termination of IPP contracts and reduction in electricity prices are not met.
In a press conference, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman said that the demands raised by Jamaat-e-Islami are based on reality. Welcoming the delegation from the industrial sector to the sit-in, he noted that their participation proves that Jamaat-e-Islami is capable of solving these problems.
He mentioned that the government was asked to show the contracts with the IPPs. Money is collected for electricity that is not even produced, and billions are siphoned off through these contracts. The government should terminate these contracts as they have expired.
Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman emphasized that the sit-in will not end until the IPP contracts are reviewed. He said improvements will only come when the government stops enjoying free petrol and electricity and abandons its luxury vehicles. Electricity prices must be set according to cost and the salary class has already paid a significant amount in taxes while landlords are not taxed.
He criticized the government for allowing the families of its officials to live off the public while continuing to indulge in luxuries. He called on the government to sell its luxury vehicles and asked why there should be a problem with driving a 1300cc car.
He also criticized the latest IMF deal, which said taxes should not be imposed on food, education and health, but the government added taxes on milk, food and stationery. The reason landlords are not taxed is because they are part of the government.
Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman called for the next round of negotiations to be held in the presence of the media. He declared that Jamaat-e-Islami would use all available options, including strikes and road blockades. He warned the government not to assume that the protest would end without addressing the demands. If the demands are not met, the movement could move towards an anti-government campaign.
Notably, the Jamaat-e-Islami talks in Rawalpindi against taxes, inflation and IPP contracts have been going on for the past 6 days, with two rounds of talks already held between the government and Jamaat-e-Islami.
