The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) sit-in protest against inflation and high electricity tariffs at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi has entered its third day.
The next round of discussions between JI and the government is expected today, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel on Sunday.
Today, the JI participants faced difficulties due to rain in Rawalpindi and sought shelter under the Metro bus service bridge on Murree Road.
Addressing the JI sit-in in Rawalpindi on Sunday morning,
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman Sunday said negotiations with the government and the sit-ins will proceed simultaneously, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel.
he hinted at the possibility of announcing sit-ins in various locations and cities as consultations on the matter are ongoing.
Naeem-ur-Rehman expressed concern over the unjust electricity bills, stating, "We are paying for electricity that is not even being generated. A reduction in electricity bills is essential."
He pointed out that people are receiving electricity bills that exceed their rental expenses, leaving them with no option but to protest peacefully.
He also demanded that the burden of taxes on the salaried class be lifted, stating that this is not just an issue for Jamaat-e-Islami but for 250 million people.
Yesterday federal government delegation, led by Information Minister Atta Ullah Tarar and Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, visited Liaquat Bagh yesterday to negotiate with JI leaders. However, the talks did not yield any results, as the JI leadership refused to call off the protest.
Addressing the participants of the sit-in yesterday, JI Emir Hafiz Naeem made it clear to the government that JI will not leave the place until all of their demands are met.
He said if the government showed no response to their demands, JI would stage a protest at D Chowk and in front of Parliament House.
He said the masses came here for their right. He said JI always preferred peace over violence.
Hafiz Naeem claimed that JI will not let down youth. He said JI will eradicate the culture of corruption and bloodshed.
He said until the government announce some relief in power bills, they will not postpone the sit-it.
JI chief demanded that all missing persons should be recovered. He said JI was against ethnic politics. He urged the government to bring big landlords under tax net. He said JI will not give in.