Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman says that negotiations and fascism cannot go together, adding that if the arrested party workers are not released, they will be forced to change the direction of the sit-in.
While addressing the sit-in in Rawalpindi's Liaquat Bagh on Saturday morning, Hafiz Naeem expressed reservations about the names included in the government committee for negotiations. After the government's offer for negotiations, the JI chief has demanded the formation of an empowered committee.
The government had announced a three-member team for negotiations with the Jamaat-e-Islami, including Amir Maqam, Tariq Fazal Chaudhary and Attaullah Tarar.
On Friday, after facing road closures and obstacles on the way to Islamabad’s D-Chowk, Jamaat-e-Islami protestors staged a sit-in on Murree Road in Rawalpindi that is being attended by thousands of people.
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Hafiz Naeem said that raids at their workers’ houses and arrests were taking place since Friday. He maintained that the limits have been crossed, the salaried class has been ruined, and the traders have also been forced to shut down their mills. However, the government is unfazed.
The JI chief further said they could not announce a timeframe regarding how long the sit-in will last, as it could extend. He said they were protesting for people's rights and would not disperse without getting any relief.
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“The government will have to give us relief, electricity bills will have to be reduced, landlords will have to be reined in. Tax should be removed from our electricity bills and landlords should be taxed,” he insisted, adding that the tax slab for the salaried should be abolished.
"If the electricity bills are not reduced and the issue of IPPs is not resolved, this sit-in will continue," Hafiz Naeem declared.
On the other hand, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a telephonic conversation with Jamaat-e-Islami leader Liaquat Baloch. The minister said that the government wants to seriously negotiate with the JI. Baloch informed the minister of their demands.
Also Read: JI’s Naeem-ur-Rehman vows to continue sit-in until demands are met
Liaquat Baloch said that 50% discount in the electricity bill should be given to consumers using up to 500 units, the slab rate should be abolished in the bills, the deal with independent power producers regarding capacity payments and the payment in dollars should be abolished.
He further demanded that the cruel burden of taxes on the salaried be withdrawn and the Petroleum Development Levy abolished.
