The Jamaat-i-Islami has officially ended its two-week sit-in after reaching an agreement with the government on forming a task force to address issues related to IPPs, reduce electricity bills, and lower taxes for the salaried class. The agreement was reached after the fifth round of talks at Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh.
Jamaat-i-Islami’s leader, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, emphasized that the sit-in was only deferred, not ended, and the party would resume if the government failed to keep its promises. The task force is expected to finalize its report within 45 days and submit it to PM Shehbaz Sharif.
The government agreed to JI’s demands after 14 days of protests, including conducting an audit of IPP agreements and addressing tax issues for businesses and farmers. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar commended JI’s peaceful approach and commitment to providing relief to the public. The parties resumed talks after a five-day gap, with both sides committing to meeting written demands.
The JI delegation, led by Liaqat Baloch, included key members like Amirul Azeem and Nasrullah Randhawa. Hafiz Naeemur Rehman emphasized the need for documented agreements to prevent a “lava eruption” of public anger.
Published in Dawn, August 9th, 2024
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