During a sit-in protest against high electricity prices, Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and the burden of inflation and taxes, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leader Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman emphasized the public’s growing struggles. He asserted that the military, politicians, judges, and bureaucrats must relinquish their privileges.
Speaking to participants late at night in Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman urged the government to form a powerful committee to engage in dialogue with JI’s committee. He asserted that the sit-in would continue until they resolved the issue.
He noted that people sell household items to pay for electricity and gas. “In rental homes, the rent is less than the electricity bill, and this government, which lacks credibility, has brought us to this point. They imposed themselves on us without winning votes.”
He criticized the government for increasing administrative expenses by 25% and questioned their unwillingness to give up their perks. “A segment of the military, bureaucracy, judges, and politicians enjoy free electricity, gas, petrol, cars, and housing, while the burden is placed on the poor. They must give up these privileges.”
Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman pointed out that 80% of IPPs are owned by Pakistanis, contrary to claims that they are foreign companies. “Key government figures own many companies. I am not naming names today, but I may reveal each company and owner tomorrow.”
He highlighted that some businessmen affiliated with PML-N, PPP, and PTI have extracted billions from the country. “One company’s electricity costs 750 rupees per unit, another’s costs 150 or 300 rupees per unit. One company received 28 billion rupees in a year without generating a single megawatt of electricity, and another’s 50 MW plant operates at 10% capacity, with the rest of the payment coming from us.”
He mentioned that salaried Pakistanis paid 3,785 billion in taxes last year, while landlords owning over 100 acres paid less than 5 billion rupees. “This is unacceptable. Tax these landlords and remove the burden from salaried individuals.”
Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman reiterated that the sit-in is not for electoral gains but to eliminate unjust taxes and reclaim public resources from the government. He called for the formation of an empowered committee to negotiate with JI.
He also stated that JI will announce its committee after consultations to relieve the public and regulate the oppressive IPPs. “We will assess whether the government’s committee is serious or stalling. If they are serious, we will respond in kind.”
