ISLAMABAD: The top leader of a Pakistani religious party protesting against the rising cost of living threatened to occupy major highways around the country during a media interaction on Tuesday, demanding that the government reduce its own expenses and run the affairs of the state more transparently.
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) decided to stage a sit-in in Pakistan’s garrison city of Rawalpindi to seek a reduction in power tariffs and overall taxes, with its protest entering the sixth consecutive day.
The top JI leaders, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, has asked the government to make its agreements with independent power producers (IPPs) public before renegotiating them.
“Amir Jamaat-e-Islami Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has announced that in the next phase of their sit-in, the party will occupy major highways,” said a JI statement.
“The rulers claim they cannot disclose these agreements to the nation,” it added, quoting its top leader. “They can drain the public’s blood and increase bills, but they cannot make these agreements public. This oppression will no longer continue, and a forensic audit of the IPPs should be conducted.”
Naeem-ur-Rehman said demanded that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declare that no minister or government officer will use a vehicle exceeding 1300 cc, suggesting that stopping the use of large vehicles would save 350 billion rupees.
He questioned why Sharif could not work on this issue, accusing his government of being unwilling to benefit the people.
“The public pays for their extravagances through bills and taxes,” he added.
He thanked former Prime Minister Imran Khan for praising the sit-in and mentioned ongoing contacts and meetings with the six-party opposition alliance, Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan (Movement for the Protection of Pakistan’s Constitution).
While he noted that the JI would welcome its leaders at its protest demonstration, he said his party did not want to join any alliance.
The JI plans a protest sit-in in front of the Governor House in southern Sindh province later today.
Pakistani religio-political party threatens highway blockades as protests against inflation spiral
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Pakistani religio-political party threatens highway blockades as protests against inflation spiral
- Jamaat-e-Islami wants PM Shehbaz Sharif to declare no minister or official will use a vehicle exceeding 1300 cc
- The party has announced a protest sit-in in front of the Governor House in southern Sindh province later today
Weather authority forecasts of rains, thunderstorms in northwest Pakistan on Feb. 16-17
- District administrations and rescue agencies have been asked to remain alert to deal with any possible emergency
- The warning comes weeks after heavy snowfall blanketed several areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, cutting off villages
ISLAMABAD: The provincial disaster management authority (PDMA) has forecast rains and thunderstorms in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province on Feb. 16-17, urging citizens to exercise caution during the forecast period.
Light to moderate rain is expected in Kurram, Bannu, North and South Waziristan, Lakki Marwat and Tank districts, according to the PDMA. Heavy rain and hail are likely in Dera Ismail Khan.
The provincial disaster management authority said it has instructed district administrations and related agencies to remain alert to deal with any possible emergency during this period.
"Citizens are directed to avoid going near weak and under-construction buildings, signboards, electricity poles and solar panels," the PDMA said on Sunday night.
"Instructions have been issued to keep main highways and connecting roads open for traffic at all times."
The warning comes weeks after heavy snowfall blanketed several mountainous areas in KP, blocking roads and cutting off villages.
Khyber, South Waziristan and Swat districts were the most affected, where rescuers evacuated dozens of stranded residents and tourists to safety.
The PDMA urged local administrations to take precautionary measures in view of the threat of flooding in rivers, streams and stormwater drains.
"Citizens are directed to avoid unnecessary travel during bad weather and stay in safe places," it said on Sunday. "Municipal bodies are directed to keep the drainage system clean in view of the threat of landslides and urban flooding."
