JI Ends Sit-In After Pact with Pakistan Govt

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Jamaat-e-Islami concludes its protest in Rawalpindi after successful negotiations with the federal government, securing commitments to address electricity costs and taxation.

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), a prominent political party, has called off its two-week sit-in in Rawalpindi following productive talks with the federal government on August 9, 2024. The agreement, reached after five rounds of negotiations, addresses key public concerns, including high electricity tariffs and excessive taxation, with a 30-day review period established to assess implementation.

The JI’s protest, which began in late July, demanded relief from soaring electricity bills, renegotiation of contracts with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and reductions in petroleum and tax burdens. The sit-in at Liaquat Bagh disrupted local traffic, prompting negotiations led by Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. According to The Express Tribune, JI leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman announced the postponement of the protest, emphasizing that the government agreed to review IPP contracts and reduce taxes on electricity bills. A joint committee, including JI and government representatives, will oversee progress within 30 days.

Tarar, speaking to reporters, confirmed that the talks were held in a positive atmosphere, with some demands formalized in a written agreement, as reported by Dawn. He highlighted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s focus on lowering power tariffs, aligning with JI’s demands. The JI had also planned demonstrations in Lahore and Peshawar but deferred them after the agreement, opting for a public rally on Islamabad Highway to outline future actions.

Liaquat Baloch, JI’s negotiation lead, stressed the protest’s peaceful nature and its focus on public relief, noting that the sit-in compelled the government to act, per The Express Tribune. The agreement includes a commitment to audit IPP contracts, a key JI demand, to address inflated electricity costs. Local residents expressed relief at the sit-in’s end, citing disruptions on Murree Road, as noted by Dawn.

The resolution reflects the government’s willingness to engage with public demands while highlighting JI’s ability to mobilize pressure. If the government fails to deliver within 45 days, JI has warned of resuming protests, including a potential wheel-jam strike, according to The Express Tribune. For updates, visit thenews.com.pk or contact JI’s media office.