Accusing the Punjab government of arresting over 200 party workers prior to the sit-in against inflation and rising electricity prices, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Ameer Naeemur Rehman said on Saturday there would be no talks with the government until and unless all party workers were released immediately. Addressing a press conference at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi, at the site of the party’s sit-in, he termed the arrests an act of barbarism on the part of the provincial government. He said that what the JI wanted was to rein in the independent power producers (IPPs). “They are sucking the nation’s blood,” the JI Ameer said, adding, “It is so unfortunate that billions of rupees were given to the IPPs despite the fact they did not produce electricity.” He said that the JI workers had come out on the streets to protect the rights of the masses. “And we will not return until and unless our demands are met,” Naeem said, adding, “Our sit-in will no longer remain restricted to Liaquat Bagh. Instead we will go ahead with our march.”

He urged the government to start using electricity for free. “While poor people are being charged billions of rupees for the consumption of electricity, the same is not the case with the rulers who are enjoying the facility without paying a single penny.” The JI Ameer announced that the party would hold a rally at Murree Road tomorrow. “Women will hold their rally on Monday. More caravans of the party workers from across the country will reach Rawalpindi since people have pinned their hopes on our sit-in.” A large number of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) workers are holding a sit-in against inflation and increasing electricity prices at Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi, which entered into its second day on Saturday, while the government has contacted the JI leadership for holding talks. However, all the routes leading to Islamabad are closed to prevent the protesters from entering the city.

In a related development, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi contacted JI Central Naib Ameer Liaquat Baloch, saying the government is ready to hold talks with them. On the other hand, JI Ameer Naeemur Rehman will announce the party’s strategy for the future at a press conference to be held later today. The JI workers, present at the protest site, have said that they have come here to stay until and unless the government meets their demands. They have said they are waiting for instructions from the party’s high command and are ready to march towards the D-Chowk. Lahore police have released all the workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) on Saturday. All the workers were released on personal guarantee by the concerned SHOs. Earlier, the police also released inactive workers and leaders with shorty bonds.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan