Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, JI Chief Warns of Nationwide Protest Expansion if immediate demands regarding inflation are not met. He emphasized that the protests will spread to Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta within two days if no action taken by government.
During a press conference at the ongoing sit-in at Liaquat Bagh Chowk in Rawalpindi, Hafiz Naeem emphasized that the demonstrations will continue until their demands are met, hinting at a potential march to Islamabad’s D-Chowk. The protest, now in its fourth day, underscores the public’s resolve against high electricity bills and the government’s inaction.
Highlighting the burden of excessive electricity costs, Naeem criticized the government’s lack of response. He also revealed that a significant number of women will join the protests in Lahore despite government hurdles, criticizing the administration, which he claims is controlled by a single family, for exacerbating the situation.
Condemning the agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), he disclosed that 70 to 80 percent of IPPs are non-operational due to contractual issues, with the government holding shares in 52 percent of them. He demanded a forensic audit of the IPPs and the elimination of capacity charges, citing exorbitant taxes on electricity bills. He insisted that electricity prices should reflect actual production costs.
Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman also called for the end of government perks, questioning why WAPDA officers and other officials receive free electricity and fuel. He suggested that the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and judges should be restricted to 1300cc vehicles to lessen the public burden, referencing former Prime Minister Junejo’s precedent of 1000cc vehicles for all officials.
He urged the elimination of levies on petrol and taxes on essential goods like flour, sugar, and pulses, arguing that these taxes are crippling industries and causing unemployment. Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman called on all political parties to join their struggle, advising supporters to focus on government actions rather than internal party disputes.
Concluding his remarks, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman criticized the government’s submission to IMF demands while ignoring their own extravagant spending, suggesting that dialogue with China could amicably resolve issues given China’s longstanding support for Pakistan.
