Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has ramped up its protest efforts by announcing a series of demonstrations, starting with a march to Islamabad on August 8 from Liaquat Bagh, where they have been holding a sit-in for twelve days.
Following this, JI plans additional sit-ins in Lahore on August 11 and in Peshawar on August 12, with a nationwide strike scheduled immediately after August 14, Independence Day.
Read more: JI Protest Persists as Government forms Committee to Address Concerns
JI leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman made these announcements during a press conference at the protest site. He emphasized that the protests aim to secure their demands rather than overthrow the government and suggested the Lahore sit-in be held outside the Chief Minister’s House.
Rehman drew a parallel to the Fall of Dhaka in 1971, criticizing past leaders while asserting their right to protest peacefully. He also called for those involved in controversial IPP agreements to be placed on the ECL.
JI Deputy Leader Liaqat Baloch mentioned that the government had sought further negotiations. Baloch reiterated JI’s openness to dialogue while maintaining their demands. JI Lahore leader Raziuddin Ansari and other officials confirmed that the Lahore sit-in would occur outside the Chief Minister’s House.
The third round of negotiations between JI and government representatives concluded on Tuesday, with a follow-up meeting scheduled for Wednesday. Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar announced the talks, which included key government figures and JI leaders.
The ongoing sit-in at Liaquat Bagh Chowk in Rawalpindi has continued for twelve days, with the protest focused on issues such as high electricity bills, excessive taxation, agreements with IPPs, and rising fuel and gas prices.
