JI Announces Nationwide Protests
LAHORE: The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) escalated its criticism of the government's economic policies on Friday, announcing plans to expand its protest movement across the country. The movement targets rising electricity tariffs, petroleum prices, alleged preferential treatment to Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and inflation.
Addressing a protest demonstration in Ichhra, JI leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman claimed the government had failed to pass on the benefits of lower international oil prices to consumers. He alleged that the government had collected a large amount through petroleum levy without improving the country's oil refining infrastructure.
Tax Burden and Unfair Agreements
Hafiz Naeem also claimed that taxes had been imposed on people unable to pay them. He said soaring electricity and gas bills, coupled with rising prices of essential commodities, had placed an unbearable burden on citizens. The JI chief accused successive governments of signing unfair agreements with the IPPs, alleging that power producers continued to receive payments even when electricity was not generated.
Education and Public Transport Issues
Hafiz Naeem claimed that more than 10 million children in Punjab were out of school and the provincial government was outsourcing schools instead of improving the public education system. He also criticised the state of public transport in Lahore, claiming several major roads lacked an effective mass transit system.
Government Spending Criticized
He accused the government of spending public money on publicity campaigns and luxury expenditures while imposing additional taxes on citizens. He said the bureaucracy and political leadership continued to enjoy privileges despite worsening economic conditions.
