Jamaat-e-Islami sit-in postponed; new date announced

LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has announced a change in the date for its planned sit-in, now scheduled for July 26 in Islamabad.

The initial date for the sit-in was July 12. This decision to postpone was disclosed by Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, during a press conference held in Mansoora, Lahore.

JI announces action plan for Islamabad sit-in on July 12

Addressing the media, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman highlighted the severe impact of rising electricity bills on Pakistan’s populace. He stated that the burden of increased costs has left both the middle class and business community struggling, with no sector spared from the financial strain. “The recent increase of Rs 8 per unit for commercial consumers will only hinder economic progress,” he remarked.

He criticised the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government for failing to provide relief, despite their promises. He pointed out that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had restricted any relief in residential areas, rendering government announcements ineffective. “Their decisions do not seem to make any impact,” he added.

He also condemned the government’s budgetary choices, noting that while they claim tough decisions are necessary, they have simultaneously increased administrative expenses by 25 per cent. The JI leader questioned the government’s reluctance to cut its own costs, citing daily borrowing of Rs 56 billion and significant payments of $42 billion to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) under capacity charges.

He expressed the frustration of the salaried class, which continues to bear the brunt of the economic policies, while landlords remain untaxed. He called for transparency regarding the taxes paid by influential families, such as the Zardari and Bhutto families, on their estates.

JI announces sit-in against inflated electricity bills, increase in taxes

He acknowledged that Jamaat-e-Islami’s workers are active across all districts, especially during Muharram.

The JI leader mentioned that religious scholars had requested the postponement of the sit-in until after Ashura to maintain peace and order. Respecting this request, the party decided to extend their protest beyond Ashura.

The sit-in will now take place across Pakistan on July 14, followed by the main sit-in in Islamabad on July 26.