Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) sit-in against inflation and high electricity tariffs at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi has entered its third day. The second round of negotiations were held on Sunday between the government and JI teams at Commissioner House Rawalpindi, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The government’s committee was led by Information Minister Atta Tarar while other members include Amir Muqam, Dr. Tariq Fazal Ch and business leader Kashif Chaudhry. Commissioner Rawalpindi and DC Rawalpindi Hasan Waqar Cheema also accompanied the government delegation.
While, 4-member negotiation team of Jamaat-e-Islami held talks under the leadership of Deputy Amir Liaquat Baloch.
Talking to the media after the second round of talks, Liaquat Baloch said that the government committee had come to the sit-in and invited for talks, JI emir accepted the government’s offer of talks.
He said that the negotiations were held in a good environment. Baloch said “IPPs is a sign of death for the entire nation, adding that JI will not leave people at the mercy of capitalists”.
Baloch said that the government has said that it will form a technical team tomorrow. He said that there will be a second round of negotiations on Monday. He said JI sit-in will continue. Baloch said that detention orders have been made for 35 of JI workers, we have given the government a list of 35 people, if the government will work seriously then the people of Pakistan will get relief.
Meanwhile, the government announced the release of all arrested JI workers. After meeting, Federal Minister Atta Tarar said that the government was taking all possible measures to reduce the electricity tariff by generating cheap and quality electricity. He said that Jamaat-e-Islami leaders would be provided complete information about power sector issues. He said Rs 50 billion subsidy has already been given to electricity consumers using up to 200 units.
“The government is also starting solar projects and diesel and oil-powered plants will be closed,” he said and added, installation of solar tubewells will reduce electricity consumption.
Tarar said that no change had been made in the government’s negotiation team. He said that Minister for Power Awais Laghari was in China.
Tarar said that in the circumstances in which the incumbent government came into being, it was not an easy task, efforts were being made to reduce the expenses of the government.
Earlier JI sit-in participants faced difficulties due to rain in Rawalpindi and protestors sought shelter under the Metro bus service bridge on Murree Road.
Addressing the sit-in participants on Sunday morning, JI Chief Hafiz Naeem said negotiations with the government and the sit-ins will proceed simultaneously.
He hinted that if the government did not accept their demands, JI will announce sit-ins in various locations and cities.
Naeem expressed concern over the unjust electricity bills, stating, "We are paying for electricity that is not even being generated. A reduction in electricity bills is essential."
He pointed out that people are receiving electricity bills that exceed their rental expenses, leaving them with no option but to protest peacefully. He also demanded that the burden of taxes on the salaried class be lifted, stating that this is not just an issue for Jamaat-e-Islami but for 250 million people.
Yesterday federal government delegation, led by Information Minister Atta Ullah Tarar and Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, visited Liaquat Bagh and held initial talks with JI negotiators.
Addressing the participants of the sit-in yesterday, JI Emir Hafiz Naeem made it clear to the government that JI will not leave the place until all of their demands are met.
He said if the government showed no response to their demands, JI would stage a protest at D Chowk and in front of Parliament House. He said the masses came here for their right. He said JI always preferred peace over violence.
Hafiz Naeem claimed that JI will not let down youth. He said JI will eradicate the culture of corruption and bloodshed.
He said until the government announce some relief in power bills, they will not postpone the sit-it. JI chief demanded that all missing persons should be recovered. He said JI was against ethnic politics. He urged the government to bring big landlords under tax net. He said JI will not give in.