Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Ameer Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has demanded the government release the detained protestors on Friday and show seriousness in talks with the Jamaat.
Amir Jamaat-e-Islami was addressing the party’s sit-in at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi. Earlier, Rehman had called all JI protesters and supporters in the twin cities to the venue to announce the party’s next course of action against inflation.
A day ago, the district administration said in a statement that Section 144 was already in force in Islamabad. The statutory code empowers the district administration to ban the gathering of four or more people in an area for a limited period. It said that banning the order would lead to stricter action. Section 144 was also implemented throughout Punjab from 26 to 29 July.
The restrictions came as the capital braced for another political showdown, as the JI announced a sit-in at D Chowk against price hikes, high electricity bills, and an increase in income tax. Meanwhile, the PTI-led opposition alliance, TTAP, called for nationwide protests against alleged political vendettas and demanded the release of former prime minister Imran Khan.
Addressing party supporters gathered at Liaquat Bagh, Rehman addressed the government’s offer of talks, saying: “No press conferences. Form an empowered committee that will talk to our committee. We will soon after consultation.” Will announce your committee.
Rehman said that the committee will be directed to assess in the first meeting whether the government team is just a delaying tactic or if it is serious. He said that the sit-in would continue until the government decided.
I also want to tell the government that all our workers they have arrested… they should be released immediately and if they are, we will consider you serious for talks.
On the duration of the sit-in, he said: “I am not giving any time frame. Are you ready if this sit-in lasts for a month or more?
Reiterating the party’s demands, he said it only wanted relief for the people, a reduction in their electricity bills, and a ban on independent power producers.