JI’s sit-in achieved its targets, claims Hafiz Naeem

ISLAMABAD -The Jamaat-e-Islami emir, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, stated that the historical sit-in over excessive energy prices in Rawalpindi was successful.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Friday, he stated that the JI offered the government some time to examine its policy regarding Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

“We have not called off the sit-in. We only put it on hold for a few days to give the government time,” the JI emir remarked.

He encouraged the government to slash spending in order to prevent further sit-ins by the JI.

Hafiz Naeem also stated that the JI raised public awareness about issues such as excessive electricity rates and IPPs.

“The joint committee of JI and government will review the electricity bills within a month,” he informed reporters.

Previously, the government and JI negotiated an agreement to reduce the masses’ power rates, lower taxes for the salaried class, and examine IPP contracts.

The JI organized a sit-in to press its demands. The government and the JI held many rounds of talks, which finished on Thursday with the creation of a taskforce to settle concerns and the Jamaat’s announcement to postpone its sit-in.

Also read: JI and government reach agreement as taskforce formed to fix issues.

Both parties achieved an agreement to reduce power tariffs, evaluate IPP contracts, and reduce taxes imposed on the salaried class.

Speaking to journalists, JI Naib emir Liaquat Baloch stated, “An empowered taskforce has been formed, which would complete its work in a month and report to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

“The sit-in staged by JI on July 26 has created a history as the government set up a taskforce to meet the JI’s demands,” stated Mr. Singh.

The government has also agreed on the taskforce’s Terms of Reference, which include selecting experts from the public and private sectors, involving the Wapda chairman and auditor general, and employing a private business and chartered accountants to investigate IPP issues, Baloch added.