LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has said the government has asked the party to postpone its sit-ins, but negotiations and protests will continue simultaneously.
A government delegation comprising Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Sanaullah and Khawaja Salman Rafique met Hafiz Naeemur Rehman at Mansoorah to discuss the party’s demands.
Ahsan Iqbal said the government did not want unrest in the country to benefit hostile elements, warning that public gatherings could potentially be exploited by saboteurs.
He also said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz had created additional difficulties and stressed the need to provide relief to the public. The minister said the government would consider JI proposals regarding the petroleum levy and asked the party to form a team of experts for negotiations.
Rana Sanaullah said Hafiz Naeem had listened to the government’s concerns, adding that JI’s objective was also to secure relief for ordinary citizens. He said the Iran war had placed an additional burden on the public.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said the sit-ins were not being held for any personal agenda and that the protests had entered their 19th day. He said inflation had made life increasingly difficult for ordinary people.
The JI chief demanded the abolition of the petroleum levy, a reduction in petrol prices and cheaper bread. He said rising fuel prices increase the cost of essential goods and services.
He also criticised capacity payments to independent power producers (IPPs), saying consumers were being charged despite inadequate electricity production. He described the existing IPP agreements as flawed.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman confirmed that the government delegation had requested postponement of the sit-ins but said protests would continue alongside negotiations.
He also formed a negotiating committee headed by Liaquat Baloch to represent the party in talks with the government.
