ISLAMABAD: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Naeemur Rehman declared on Friday that the party’s sit-in protest will persist until their demands, including renegotiation of power purchasing agreements and action against overbilling, are fulfilled.
Addressing party workers, Rehman criticized the current administration, stating, “The Form 47 government is not ready to give up its perks. Many IPPs will have to be shut down. We will not return without approval of this demand.” He further demanded the release of protesters detained on Friday, indicating that 1,150 party supporters have been arrested according to JI spokesperson Qaisar Sharif.
The JI shifted its sit-in to Liaquat Bagh following government directives. Rehman encouraged the steadfastness of the party workers, saying, “When you did not get tired, I also did not get tired. I will ask you to move forward at any time, but for now, stay here, do not go anywhere.”
Syed Aref Shirazi, the JI’s district chapter chief, denied any ongoing discussions with authorities, emphasizing that the decision to continue the protest rests with the party’s central leadership. He stated, “We have taken to the streets with the people to address their issues, and the sit-in will continue until our demands are met.”
In response to the protests, the federal government has offered to hold talks with the JI leadership. Despite this, the JI announced a “plan B” strategy, involving demonstrations at three key locations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, even amid a ban on public gatherings.
“The JI has revealed its Plan B. After facing obstacles and arrests, the JI holds sit-ins across three points in the federal capital,” the party posted on the X platform. The district administration in Islamabad had imposed Section 144, banning gatherings of four or more people, with similar orders in Punjab province from July 26 to 29.
The JI’s sit-in at D-Chowk aimed to protest rising prices, high electricity bills, and increased income tax. Despite prohibitory orders, the JI launched a series of protests, claiming police had arrested more than a dozen activists and local office-bearers.
JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman led the protest at Islamabad’s Zero Point, while Secretary General Amirul Azim spearheaded a demonstration on Rawalpindi’s Murree Road. A third rally was held at the 26 Number Chungi area of Islamabad.
Rehman reiterated the party’s demands, calling for relief in electricity bills and reduced burdens on the salaried class. In a video message from the Islamabad Toll Plaza, he vowed to continue the protests until their demands are met, sharing visuals of supporters demonstrating in the federal capital.
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