Rawalpindi: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has formed a committee to negotiate with the government and has outlined 10 demands. The protest against inflation and heavy taxes on electricity bills continues for the second day at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi.
The negotiation committee will be led by Liaqat Baloch. JI’s 10 demands presented to the government are as follows:
- Electricity Subsidy: The government should provide a 50% subsidy to those consuming up to 500 units of electricity.
- Petroleum Levy: The petroleum levy should be abolished, and the recent price hikes should be reversed immediately.
- Essential Goods: Prices of essential goods should be reduced by 20%.
- Stationery Taxes: Taxes on stationery items should be removed immediately.
- Government Expenses: Non-developmental government expenses should be reduced by 35%.
- Capacity Charges and IPPs: The agreement to pay capacity charges and payments to IPPs (Independent Power Producers) in dollars should be terminated, and all agreements with IPPs should be reviewed.
- Agriculture and Industry: Unjust taxes on agriculture and industry should be abolished, and the burden should be reduced by 50%.
- Investment and Employment: Ensuring investment in industry, commerce, and trade to provide employment opportunities for the youth.
- Salary Tax Relief: Taxes on the salaried class should be eliminated.
- Taxation on Privileged Class: The privileged class should be brought into the tax net.
These demands reflect JI’s commitment to alleviating the economic burden on the public and promoting fair economic policies. The ongoing protest aims to pressurize the government into addressing these critical issues and ensuring relief for the common people.
