The second round of talks between the Jamaat-e-Islami and the government concluded in Rawalpindi on Wednesday. Liaquat Baloch, Deputy Ameer of the Jamaat-e-Islami, stated that the government’s negotiating team did not disagree with any of their points and assured them of positive progress.
The talks were held at the Commissioner’s Office in Rawalpindi, with the government’s negotiating team and a technical team participating. The government’s negotiating team included Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Amir Muqam, while the Jamaat-e-Islami was led by Liaquat Baloch.
Following the talks, Baloch told the media that the government’s negotiating team had requested the end of the sit-in, but the Jamaat-e-Islami had made it clear that the sit-in would continue. They emphasized their commitment to not disappointing the people and stressed the need for relief for the public. Baloch stated that this was not a game of committees and that the government needed to take concrete action.
He demanded a reduction in electricity and petrol prices, stating that this was a clear and unambiguous demand. He expressed his disappointment with the lack of seriousness in the second round of talks, implying that they would have ended the talks immediately if they hadn’t seen any progress.
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Baloch called for a forensic audit of the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and reiterated the public’s support for the sit-in. He acknowledged the government’s invitation for talks and the Jamaat-e-Islami’s acceptance of the offer. He explained that the first round of talks had focused on framing their demands and charter, and that the presence of the technical team in the second round meant the government had no choice but to acknowledge their points. He confirmed that the government’s technical team had agreed with the Jamaat-e-Islami’s demands.
Baloch highlighted the need for a reduction in electricity prices and the recovery of actual costs. He criticized the government for imposing additional taxes on the private and public salaried class, arguing that this burden should be lifted as it was not yielding any revenue for the government. He also called for a reduction in administrative expenses, warning of a potential economic crisis.
Following the talks, Federal Minister Amir Muqam stated that the government was working within its resources and would continue to consult on the demands. He assured the public that the government would take all possible measures within its financial capacity.
League leader Tariq Fazal Chaudhry claimed that the Prime Minister was providing relief to electricity consumers and that further measures would be taken for their benefit.
He also stated that cabinet ministers were not receiving salaries and that steps were being taken to control the budget. He emphasized that ministers were not receiving free electricity either.
