POLITICS & POLICY MAKING
Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman announced on Monday that the ongoing sit-in at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi is just the beginning of a broader movement. Addressing participants and supporters, he declared that after their demands regarding inflation and inflated power bills are met, the party will initiate a second phase aimed at "changing the system."
Despite adverse weather conditions, the JI-led demonstration on Murree Road has persisted for four days, drawing significant attention and support. Rehman warned that, in consultation with traders, industrialists, and civil society, JI might consider not paying the August electricity bills if they are more inflated than those of July.
"Send us bills … not bombs. We want to pay for the electricity we consumed and will not pay additional taxes," Rehman asserted. He also announced plans for a sit-in outside the Governor House in Karachi starting Wednesday, with similar demonstrations planned for other provincial capitals.
Rehman listed several key demands, including reducing electricity bills, ending the petroleum levy, ensuring affordable food prices, and fair taxation on traders and exporters. He cautioned that failure to meet these demands would result in nationwide protests, posing significant challenges for the government.
Criticizing independent power plants (IPPs), Rehman called for a forensic audit of their agreements, accusing them of exploiting the masses. He alleged that ministers mislead the public about potential international legal repercussions if the government terminates these agreements, and claimed that many IPPs are overcharging by using cheaper fuels like sugarcane waste instead of international coal.
Rehman highlighted the financial strain on the populace, noting that some have had to sell their jewelry to pay July's electricity bills, questioning how they will manage future payments. He accused ministers of ignoring the crisis while enjoying free electricity and petrol.
Addressing women's rights, Rehman emphasized the need for better educational opportunities for women, especially in rural areas, where he claims the elite class obstructs progress to maintain control. He praised the JI women’s wing for their efforts and encouraged them to raise awareness and engage more actively in politics.
Rehman also criticized the Punjab government's plan to privatize 13,000 schools, urging the government to provide quality education rather than relying on NGOs. He advocated for a unified education system with a common syllabus for both public and private sectors.
As the sit-in continues, the pressure mounts on the government to address these pressing economic issues, with the potential for broader unrest if the JI's demands are not met.