Sirajul Haq calls for a transparent audit & accountability of costly IPP agreements, reiterating the demand for a reduction in power tariff

RAHIM YAR KHAN, Sep 08 (SABAH): Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Emir Sirajul Haq has called for a transparent audit and accountability of the costly Independent Power Producer (IPP) agreements, reiterating the demand for a reduction in power tariff.

Speaking at a public rally in Rahim Yar Khan that marked the commencement of the second phase of the JI anti-inflation movement, Sirajul Haq pledged to persist in the struggle for the rights of the public until a logical resolution is achieved. Sirajul Haq is scheduled to address gatherings in Layyah and Muzaffargarh over the next two days.

He expressed his apprehension about the sudden deterioration in the security situation in Chitral, emphasizing that peace and order had otherwise been exemplary in the region. He drew attention to the rampant increase in street crimes in major cities and incidents of kidnapping for ransom in interior Sindh, asserting that the government had failed to provide adequate protection to its citizens. Sirajul Haq maintained that economic stability could not be achieved without the establishment of peace and order within society.

He further remarked that inflated electricity bills and the overall significant rise in the prices of essential commodities such as sugar and flour had made it impossible for the common man to make ends meet. The youth, he added, was growing increasingly desperate and disillusioned due to the poorly thought-out policies of the former governments of the PDM, PPP, and PTI.

Sirajul Haq asserted that the people had endured the most challenging experiences during the rule of these parties over the past five years, a period characterized by social polarization, disrespect for the constitution, and a lack of justice. The economy, he stated, had witnessed complete devastation, resulting in widespread inflation, unemployment, and a national debt crisis.

Sirajul Haq criticized the caretaker governments for perpetuating the policies of their predecessors, which had inflicted hardship on the people. The JI chief emphasized that true prosperity and progress could only be achieved if the people abandoned the tested ruling parties and voted for the JI. He added that, if elected to power, the JI would work towards transforming Pakistan into a welfare-oriented Islamic state.