Jamaat-i-Islami Agrees to Talks Amidst Intensifying Sit-in Protest

Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) has agreed to hold talks with the government to address issues like inflation and other pressing concerns. Despite initial refusals, the party has accepted negotiations, demanding the release of arrested workers beforehand. The sit-in could expand if demands are not met.

As Jamaat-i-Islami's (JI) protest grows more intense, the party has consented to the government's proposal for discussions to resolve its sit-in over inflation and other critical issues, ARY News reported. A government delegation, including Federal Minister for Information Atta Tarar and Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, approached the sit-in to negotiate with JI's Liaquat Baloch.

Previously, JI, a right-wing party in Pakistan, declined negotiations until the release of its detained members, according to ARY News. The JI insisted that all detained workers be freed before any discussions could begin, sources indicated.

Despite this, JI has turned down the government's request to immediately cease the sit-in. Negotiations are set to commence on Sunday, with time and location yet to be confirmed.

Atta Tarar mentioned that they extended an invitation to JI for talks, expecting to start discussions on Sunday. Liaquat Baloch announced that JI will form a committee to engage in talks with the government.

Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, JI Ameer, confirmed the party's willingness to negotiate with the government but emphasized that there would be no compromise on their demands. He is expected to hold a press conference on Sunday to disclose their future plans, according to ARY News.

Earlier, addressing the protestors, JI Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman demanded government action against Independent Power Producers (IPPs) involved in falsification. He called for a forensic audit of IPPs and a reduction in the petrol levy, as ARY News reported.

Rehman claimed that 70 to 80 percent of the IPPs are local and manageable with genuine intent. He also criticized the government for focusing solely on 'saving power'.

The JI chief warned that the sit-in could persist for months if their demands go unmet. He threatened to expand the protest from Rawalpindi to other parts of the country over rising electricity bills and taxes if their demands are not satisfied, Dawn reported. (ANI)