Islamabad (Web Desk): The protest sit-in of Jamaat-e-Islamai (JI) against inflation and massive hike in the prices of electricity continues for the second ay at Rawalpindi’s Liaquat Bagh.
A large number of citizens is present in the sit-in. The protester vowed to continue sit-in until their demands are met.
Addressing the gathering, JI chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman said that the party prepared to hold the sit-in for a month and will establish a settlement at Liaquat Bagh if necessary.
He slammed the government for increased electricity bills which have crippled the citizens and traders alike.
Hafiz Naeem said that the citizens were forced to sell their belongings and some had even turned to crime due to financial strain.
The JI chief demanded the termination of agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), accusing them of looting the nation.
According to the traffic police, 4 alternative routes have been made due to the sit-in Murree Road has been diverted from Jang Building U-turn.
Police said an alternative route has been given at DAV College Chowk Raja Bazar, Education Utorn has been diverted to Murree Road. Traffic police said the road leading to Saddar has been diverted from Rawal Road.
Citizens are facing difficulties due to suspension of metro bus service in Rawalpindi for the second day as well.
Meanwhile, the situation in Islamabad is returning to normal as containers placed on the streets by the Islamabad police were removed, however containers in the red zone are there to for security reasons.
The containers have also been removed from Faizabad Interchange while Expressway has been opened for traffic.
Earlier on Friday, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar offered the JI to sit with the government to steer the country out of crises.
Addressing a joint conference alongside Federal Minister Amir Muqam in Islamabad, he said that Jamaat-e-Islam was permitted to organise its rally or sit-in at the Liaquat Bagh Rawalpindi, but insistence on moving toward Islamabad is beyond understanding.
The minister said that the government is ready to sit with JI Emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman and his team to listen to their concerns.
He said that the government has constituted a three-member committee comprising him, Amir Muqam and Tariq Fazal Chaudhry to negotiate with the JI leadership.