RAWALPINDI – The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) sit-in against inflated electricity bills reached its sixth day at Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi, on Wednesday. The ongoing protest reflects mounting public frustration over the rising cost of utilities.
Today’s events include the second round of negotiations between Jamaat-e-Islami and the government, scheduled for 3 PM. This meeting is a critical juncture in the protest, as both sides attempt to address the concerns of the demonstrators.
During a speech to the participants, Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman highlighted the severe financial burden that inflated electricity bills have placed on the population. He criticized the current situation, arguing that it has become nearly impossible for 98% of people to afford their electricity bills. Rehman framed the issue as a harsh dilemma for many families, questioning whether they should prioritize paying their utility bills or investing in their children’s education.
In addition to the Rawalpindi protest, Hafiz Naeem announced plans to escalate the movement. A new sit-in is set to begin in Karachi on Wednesday, with an additional protest in Lahore expected to be announced shortly. These actions are part of a broader strategy to galvanize national support for their cause.
Rehman also mentioned that the business community has shown solidarity with their cause, which has led to discussions about organizing a nationwide wheel-jam strike. This potential strike would be a direct response to the ongoing issues and aims to further pressure the government to address the protestors’ grievances.
The situation remains dynamic as negotiations and additional protests could significantly impact the unfolding events.
