Second round of talks between govt, JI on inflation, electricity bills concludes

Lahore: The second round of negotiations between the government and Jamaat-e-Islami, focused on reducing electricity prices ended on Wednesday.

Jamaat-e-Islami continued its sit-in against high electricity prices at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi. Concurrently, the second round of discussions between Jamaat-e-Islami and the government took place at the Commissioner's House in Rawalpindi.

The sources said that the government technical members provided an initial briefing to the Jamaat-e-Islami negotiating team, presenting their suggestions regarding Jamaat-e-Islami's demands.

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has not yet joined the negotiations. Speaking to the media after the talks, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Liaquat Baloch stated that this was the second round of negotiations and that their sit-in has been ongoing for six days. He mentioned that their workers are enduring harsh weather conditions, including sun, rain, and humidity.

He emphasized that the sit-in aims to address the basic issues facing the public, with support from industrialists and traders. He also highlighted the political crisis in the country.

Liaquat Baloch urged the government to provide relief to the public instead of forming committees. He stated that Jamaat-e-Islami has clearly presented its stance to the technical committee, and the government's technical committee has agreed with their demands.

He said that the government delegation has requested more time to make progress on the demands. He warned that if the government's approach remained unserious, Jamaat-e-Islami would withdraw from the negotiations. Despite this, the sit-in will continue.

Government negotiation team member Amir Muqam stated that they would further discuss Jamaat-e-Islami's demands. He expressed that they also desirde reductions in electricity and petrol prices and lower taxes on salaried individuals.

It may be mentioned here that Jamaat-e-Islami's sit-in at Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi has been ongoing for six days.