Maps
Magazine

POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

Jamaat-i-Islami Leader Warns of Nationwide Protests Over High Power Bills and Taxes
JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman demands reduced electricity bills and lower taxes, threatening to expand the Rawalpindi sit-in if the government fails to comply.
ND
by News Desk
2024-07-27
Jamaat-i-Islami Leader Warns of Nationwide Protests Over High Power Bills and Taxes

Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has issued a stern warning to the government, threatening to extend the ongoing sit-in at Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh to other areas across the country if their demands regarding high power bills and increased taxes are not met.

 

Addressing supporters at the sit-in on Saturday, Rehman emphasized that the government should not assume the protest would remain confined to Murree Road. He outlined the party's key demands, including a genuine reduction in electricity bills, addressing issues related to independent power producers (IPPs), and revoking the tax slab imposed on the salaried class.

 

“If the government does not reduce electricity bills in a genuine manner, address the matter of IPPs, and revoke the tax slab on the salaried class, then this sit-in will spread across the entire country,” Rehman declared.

 

The JI’s protest follows the government's successful negotiation to relocate the demonstration from D-Chowk in the Red Zone to Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh. This decision came after government talks with JI leadership, amidst the arrests of around 40 JI workers attempting to enter the capital.

 

The ongoing sit-in has caused significant disruption, with Murree Road from Mareer Chowk to Committee Chowk closed to traffic and Metro Bus services suspended. Rehman reiterated his demand for the release of all arrested workers and called for clarity regarding a committee to hold talks with the party.

 

Rehman further criticized the government for ignoring the plight of industrialists and traders who are struggling with exorbitant electricity bills. He argued that the closure of factories due to high operational costs leads to massive job losses, urging the government to reconsider export duties and tax exemptions for elites.

 

“We and the traders are ready to be brought under the tax net if the tax is rightful,” Rehman stated, calling for relief measures for the public.

 

The JI chief also addressed the relocation of the sit-in, indicating that it was a strategic decision to avoid potential clashes with the police that could have jeopardized the demonstration.

 

In a post on X, the party announced a grand public rally at Liaquat Bagh on Sunday after evening Maghrib prayers, signaling their continued commitment to their demands.
Tagged:

Protest

rawalpindi

taxes

JamaatIslami

electricitybills

PublicRally
Share News: