Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) North Punjab Secretary General Muhammad Iqbal Khan has demanded the government fix petrol at Rs 225 per litre and stop selling public hospitals and schools. Addressing a press conference in Attock on Sunday evening, he said JI’s advocacy compelled the recent reduction in petroleum prices.
JI Claims Credit for Petrol Price Reduction
Iqbal Khan stated that Jamaat-e-Islami “always talked about providing relief to the poor” and that it was the party that conveyed public concerns to the “houses of power,” leading to the government lowering petroleum product prices. He did not specify the exact reduction but credited JI’s pressure for the move.
Criticism of Punjab Government’s Education and Health Policies
The JI leader criticized the Punjab government for “deviating from the constitution” by selling hospitals and schools. “New schools are being established and named after Nawaz Sharif School, and basic health centres are being named after Maryam, which has no legal justification,” he said. Iqbal Khan argued that shortcomings in health and education departments should be removed instead of selling institutions. He demanded teachers be given their rightful place and spared from additional duties to improve education quality.
Demand for Judicial Reforms and Condemnation of Chakwal Tragedy
Iqbal Khan also called for judicial reforms to ensure timely justice and warned against creating institutions that make extrajudicial decisions. He condemned the Chakwal tragedy in which an innocent girl lost her life, though he provided no further details.
Water Bills and Development Works in Attock
The JI leader further said WASA had “unjustifiably increased water bills” and demanded the hike be withdrawn immediately. He urged authorities to complete ongoing development works in Attock city “in the name of its beauty” at the earliest.
Need for a New University in Attock
Responding to a question, Iqbal Khan said Attock needs a new university, but priority should be given to activating the Agricultural University, whose construction has been ongoing for 12 years despite crores of rupees spent. He stressed the importance of completing this project before initiating new ones.
