ISLAMABAD: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leader Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has announced plans for new protests in collaboration with trader groups, following the suspension of their two-week sit-in in Rawalpindi.
Naeem emphasized the need for a reduction in taxes on the salaried class and expressed support for broadening the tax base. However, he criticized the imposition of taxes on people already struggling with inflation.
“Consultations with traders are ongoing. We will call for peaceful demonstrations alongside trade bodies,” Naeem said on Tuesday.
The announcement follows the postponement of the JI’s sit-in last week after negotiations with the government. The party had been pushing for lower power tariffs and a review of agreements with independent power producers (IPPs), which have led to high utility bills due to capacity payments.
Naeem warned that the sit-in could resume if the government fails to honor their agreement. The initial sit-in was postponed after successful talks led by Liaquat Baloch, with an agreement signed by Information Minister Ataullah Tarar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
In his press conference, Naeem also criticized the government for worsening law and order issues across the country. He highlighted ongoing problems in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Sindh, and Punjab.
He expressed concern over the economic situation, noting that many young people are considering leaving the country. Naeem called for reducing taxes on the salaried class and stressed that JI would protest again if the government does not meet their demands within the next 40 days.