There is no escape for ruling elite as they must curtail their lavish lifestyles on state resources to provide relief to public: Hafiz Naeemur Rehman
RAWALPINDI, July 30 (SABAH): Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman declared that there is no escape for the ruling elite as they must curtail their lavish lifestyles on state resources to provide relief to the public.
He warned that if the government hesitates to meet public demands, the ongoing sit-ins would intensify, including demonstrations on main highways, in front of Parliament and D-Chowk, and even country-wide shutdowns. The movement for public rights would then lead to sending the government packing, he announced.
Speaking to participants on the fifth day of the Rawalpindi sit-in on Tuesday, Rehman highlighted the growing support for the protest. He announced a new sit-in outside the Governor House Sindh in Karachi starting Wednesday, with plans to extend these demonstrations to all governor houses gradually.
Earlier, Rehman held a press conference at the sit-in site, expressing gratitude to PTI founding chairman Imran Khan for his support of the JI’s protest for public demands. In response to a question, Rehman confirmed ongoing communication with opposition parties. “We are in contact with opposition parties and if any party wanted to join the sit-in, we will welcome them.”
He criticized some opposition leaders for backtracking on their initial stance on Form 45.
“If the government remains unresponsive to our demands, we will further expand the protest, maintaining the main sit-in in Rawalpindi,” he asserted. The JI has already submitted a 10-point demand list to the government, including reductions in power tariffs, elimination of unjust taxes on salaried individuals, food, and stationery items, cuts in non-developmental expenses, and a review of agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs). The second round of talks between the government and JI committees is scheduled for Wednesday.
Rehman emphasized that the JI will not compromise on public demands, advocating for a ban on the use of vehicles above 1300cc for ministers and government officials, which he said would save Rs350 billion for the national exchequer. He urged the ruling elite to relinquish their protocols and extravagance. He called for getting rid of the interest-based economy.
“If the government shows reluctance, our resistance will increase further. The government would do well to accept our demands promptly,” he stated. Rehman also revealed that JI plans to launch a national movement of peaceful resistance with a broader agenda after the success of the current sit-in. This movement aims to address various issues, including freedom of speech, proportional representation in democracy, electoral reforms, land reforms, universal access to education and healthcare, and women’s rights protection.
JI Vice Emirs Liaqat Baloch, Dr. Usama Razi, Mian Aslam, Secretary-General Amirul Azim, and other leaders also addressed the sit-in participants.