ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s rightwing Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Chief Hafiz Naeem has stated that his party, which continued its sit-in for the second consecutive day in Rawalpindi, has no personal agenda and is solely focused on securing a brighter future for the country.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, he called for strict regulation of Independent Power Producers (IPPs), stating, “We will not tolerate further oppression of Pakistan and will fight to restore the rights of the 250 million citizens.”
Hafiz Naeem declared that the ongoing sit-in would continue until its demands are met. “The people have placed their trust in us, and we will not let them down,” he affirmed.
He warned that if electricity bills are not reduced, the sit-in would be expanded nationwide. Hafiz Naeem also announced plans for a major rally on Murree Road tomorrow and a public meeting for women on Monday.
Criticizing the Punjab government, Hafiz Naeem reported that many party workers have been arrested in the province. “Numerous arrests and FIRs have been filed in Lahore, and even elderly individuals have been detained in cities like Okara and Multan,” he said.
He urged the government to release the arrested workers immediately and warned that the sit-in could be redirected if necessary. “Fascism and dialogue cannot coexist,” he added, referring to the government’s attempts to engage in discussions.
Earlier today, the federal government formed a three-member negotiation committee to talk to the JI leadership.
The Committee members include Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Amir Muqam, and ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party leader Tariq Fazal Chaudhry.
