ISLAMABAD: Chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan declared that party is committed to its cause and will not leave Islamabad without getting due relief.

Addressing participants of sit-in at I-8 area here, JI chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman asserted that protestors are committed to cause to get relief for masses and will not leave Islamabad without getting due relief.

Despite facing raids and arrests, Rehman praised large turnout, stating that it reflects widespread dissatisfaction with current system. He criticised imposition of Independent Power Producers and burden of high electricity bills, demanding their reduction. He called for decrease in taxes and the release of arrested workers. Rehman emphasised that sit-in, which he described as just beginning, aims to bring justice to 250 million people of Pakistan.

Naeem condemned what he termed as "Fascism" of government, noting government's heavy-handed approach towards protestors. He asserted that Jamaat-e-Islami is committed to peaceful protest and not prone to violence, urging police not to obstruct their efforts.

He criticised current government calling it 'product of Form 47' and reaffirmed movement's resolve to secure justice and relief for people of Pakistan.JI chief also hinted at two-stage plan if their current demands are not met, with next stage involving Murree Road. Jamaat-e-Islami vowed to continue ongoing anti-inflation protest until their demands are accepted as hundreds from across country gathered near federal capital despite restrictions.

Announcement came after government expressed readiness to negotiate with JI, urging party to record their protest at permitted venue in country's interest. "We are ready to talk for peace, security and development of country which is main agenda of our government," Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said while addressing news conference.

Party claimed at least 1,150 of its workers were arrested while trying to march on Islamabad to protest against inflation, in what authorities said was defiance of Section 144 imposed in capital and across Punjab. Meanwhile, various arteries within city also remained blocked, leading to widespread traffic disruptions across city.

In wake of arrests and barricades, JI's Rawalpindi Emir Arif Sherazi later announced that they would stage sit-in on Pindi's Muree Road instead of D-Chowk in federal capital, which will continue till their demands are accepted. Rawalpindi Central Police Officer Khalid Mahmood Hamdani said that JI had been permitted to stage rally in Liaquat Bagh after agreeing on certain SOPs with protestors.

Meanwhile, sources said that JI and district administration of Rawalpindi had reached consensus on allowing sit-in to continue for 2-3 days on Murree Road near Liaquat Bagh, without traffic disruption or disturbance in peace and security.

Published in The Daily National Courier, July, 27 2024

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