JI refuses to end sit-ins over petroleum levy, high power tariffs
Tos:
Islamabad: The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has refused to end its sit-ins against the petroleum levy and high electricity tariffs, saying the protests will continue until solutions are found to people’s daily problems.
JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said the government team held positive talks with the party on several issues. He said the sit-ins had entered their 19th day and were not launched for political interest but to seek relief for the public.
He said 90 to 95 per cent of people were struggling to meet their basic needs, while poverty had increased by 33 per cent in six years.
CRehman said a motorcyclist was paying 35 per cent tax on one litre of petrol. He also said Rs8,000 billion had been collected since the petroleum levy was introduced.
He said the capacity charges issue was also continuing, while the country was not receiving the required LNG.
Speaking at the joint press conference, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the government would consider steps that could be taken in light of the JI’s proposals.
He said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz had created difficulties and added to the burden on the public. The government, he said, wanted to provide maximum relief to the people.
Iqbal said the JI comprised educated people and that the government was ready for talks. He asked the party to bring forward a team of experts for negotiations.
The government said it did not want unrest to give the enemy an opportunity to benefit. Iqbal also warned that political gatherings could be used by hostile elements for acts of sabotage.
Meanwhile, PML-N stalwart Rana Sanaullah said the government was grateful to the JI for receiving its team in a positive manner. He said the purpose of the protest was to reduce inflation and provide relief to the public, which was also the government’s focus.
He said the Iran-US war had placed an additional burden on the public and that the government had taken several measures to address people’s difficulties.
Sanaullah said the JI had proposals that could provide relief. He added that improvements had earlier been made in electricity prices in consultation with the JI, and success in the current talks would be satisfactory for both sides.
