JI Chief Hafiz Naeem u Rehman vow to continue sit in and move towards Islamabad, if the government used delaying tactics in acceptance of public demands.

Islamabad/Rawalpindi: July27: Thousands of people continued their sit-in at Murree Road under the leadership of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman for the second consecutive day on Saturday.

Rehman delivered a midnight speech, vowing to continue sit in and move towards Islamabad, if the government used delaying tactics in acceptance of public demands. As he concluded speech, the government committee comprising federal minister Ata Tarar and MNA Tariq Fazal Chaudhry arrived at the sit-in site to hold talks with the JI leadership. JI Vice-Emir Liaqat Baloch and other leaders held talks with them, demanding release of detained JI workers and presenting charter of demand.

The JI is demanding that the government abolish IPPs agreements, decrease electricity tariffs, and eliminate unfair taxes on the salaried class.
As caravans from across the country are arriving at the sit-in site, Rehman also invited the JI women’s chapter to join the protest on Monday.
He established “Haq Do Awam Fund”, appealing public for donations and pledging to prolong the sit-in for the rights of the people. He announced a mass meeting for Sunday evening at the sit-in location.

Addressing the protestors and speaking to the media, Rehman said this movement for public rights could change into potential movement to send the government packing.

The JI chief said that JI would only engage in discussions with the government committee if responsible individuals with full decision-making authority were included. The seriousness or non-seriousness of the government would become clear till Sunday and the JI would announce its plan accordingly, he said.

Rehman clarified that JI intentionally avoided moving to D-Chowk to prevent a potential clash with police forces stationed in front of the protestors.
“We don’t want any clash. We could go to D-Chowk whenever we want,” he warned, suggesting that if public demands were not met, he might call for further action. He demanded rulers reduce their own protocol and luxuries funded by state expenses.

Rehman questioned the justification for a 25 percent increase in administrative expenses when people were struggling to afford basic necessities due to massive inflation.
He said the ruling elite is exploiting the poor while refusing to give up their own luxuries, and called on people from all walks of life to join the sit-in for their rights.

JI former Emir Sirajul Haq also spoke on occasion. JI vice-emirs Liaqat Baloch, Dr Usama Razi, Dr Ataur Rehman, Mian Aslam, JI secretary general Amirul Azim and other leaders were attending the sit-in.
JI Emir and other leaders have also spent night at the sit-in site along with the protestors.