RAWALPIDI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) announced plans to march towards Murree Road on Thursday (today) after the sit-in entered its 14th consecutive day amid the fourth round of talks with the government.
The protest against rising inflation and skyrocketing electricity bills gained nationwide support including JI workers, traders and members of other organisations.
Due to continuous rain last night, the protesters spent the night under the subway shelter. After performing Fajr prayer at the protest camp this morning, they continued with their usual cleaning activities and breakfast was arranged for the participants as usual.
Today’s protest in Rawalpindi, along with similar sit-ins at Governor House in Karachi and an announced sit-in in Peshawar on August 12, is aimed at addressing issues such as IPP deals, unfair taxes, high electricity bills and rising petrol prices , gas and general inflation.
After yesterday’s talks with the government, Attaullah Tarar told the media: “There was a positive discussion with Jamaat-e-Islami. Some matters were agreed in writing.”
The prime minister’s agenda is to reduce electricity prices with a subsidy of 50 billion rupees given to consumers who use up to 200 units for June, July and August.”
Tarar added that a task force has been set up to review the issues of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is committed to the measures.
“Many issues have been agreed, others need to be resolved,” he added.
