JI workers refuse to budge as party’s sit-in enters fourth day

Jamaat-e-Islami’s (JI) sit-in at Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi against inflation and inflated electricity bills has entered the fourth day today as the party leaders have announced they will not end it until and unless the government accepts their demands, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Monday.

On the other hand, the government has released all JI workers, while another round of talks with the government will be held today following which the party will announce its future strategy.

More and more JI workers are heading towards Rawalpindi to participate in the sit-in.  

JI Ameer Hafiz Naeem speech

Calling the agreements signed with the independent power producers (IPPs) ‘unfair’, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Monday asked why the masses should face the consequences of these deals, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Speaking to the media at Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi, the site of the party’s sit-in against inflation and rising electricity prices, he said that the government should now stop telling the people ‘lies’. “The nation has pinned hopes on the Jamaat,” he said, adding, “We want to remain peaceful; however, if the government will obstruct us, then we know how to cross these barriers.”

Naeem demanded the government slash electricity rates besides withdrawing concessions given to the country’s ruling elite.

JI women workers hold sit-in outside Mansoora

The flow of traffic at Multan Road, Lahore was disrupted after the JI women workers held a sit-in outside the party’s headquarters in Mansoora.

The women shouted slogans against the government as well as against the Punjab Police.

On the other hand, the police impounded the buses, carrying female protestors to the site of the sit-in in Rawalpindi, which further infuriated them.  

The protestors said they had come out on the roads early in the morning for the nation’s rights, and the government must stop its terrorism.   

Reporters: Usman Khan and Aqsa Sajjad