RAWALPIDI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has announced plans to march towards Murree Road on Thursday (today) after the sit-in has entered its 14th consecutive day amid fourth round of talks with the government. The protest against rising inflation and soaring electricity bills has received nationwide support including workers from JI, traders, as well as members of other organisations.
Due to continuous rain last night, the protesters spent the night under the metro shed. After performing the Fajr prayer in the protest camp this morning, they resumed their usual cleaning activities, and breakfast was arranged for the participants as usual.
The protest in Rawalpindi today, along with similar sit-ins at the Governor House in Karachi and an announced sit-in in Peshawar on August 12, is aimed at addressing issues such as agreements with IPPs, unjust taxes, high electricity bills, and the rising costs of petrol, gas, and general inflation.
Following the talks with government yesterday, Attaullah Tarar told the media, “Positive discussions were held with Jamaat-e-Islami. Some issues have been agreed upon in writing.
The prime minister’s agenda is to reduce electricity prices, with a subsidy of 50 billion rupees provided to consumers using up to 200 units for June, July, and August.”
Tarar added that a task force has been established to review the matters of Independent Power Poducers (IPPs), and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is committed to these measures.
“Many issues have been agreed upon, with more to be resolved,” he added. –Agencies
