Hafiz Naeem hints at converting sit-in into anti-govt movement

Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has indicated to convert the sit-in into a movement to oust the government if the demands of termination of contracts with IPPs and reduction of electricity prices are not met.

While addressing a press conference, Hafiz Naeem said that the demands made by Jamaat-e-Islami are based on reality.

He said that the government has been requested to show the contracts with the IPPs. Money is being collected for the electricity that has not been generated and billions of rupees are being minted in the form of contracts, he added.

Hafiz Naeem further said that the sit-in will not end until the IPPs contract is revised. When you stop your free petrol, electricity and leave big vehicles then the situation will improve. The salaried class has deposited a large part of the tax while the landlords are not being taxed, he added.

The JI chief said that the scope of sit-in is widening. We cannot break the hope of 250 million people. Additional taxes on the public should be waived and  why should the public pay for the wives and children of government official?  You can’t go on enjoying yourselves and we pay taxes, sell big cars, let the prime minister explain what is the problem of sitting in a 1300 CC car.

Hafiz Naeem further said that in the last agreement, IMF said that they will not tax food items, education, health, but the government has also imposed taxes on milk, food items and stationery. There is no tax on the feudal class because they are part of the government.

He added that the next round of negotiations should be held in front of the media. We will use all options and go on strike and sit on the streets. If the government can’t fulfill the demands, then the government will go home. If they don’t fulfill the demands, this movement can turn into a movement to remove the government.