The first round of negotiations between the government and Jamaat-e-Islami concluded on Sunday, with a notable agreement reached for the release of 35 detained workers. These individuals had been arrested under Section 144 during the ongoing sit-in in Rawalpindi.
Attaullah Tarar, head of the government’s negotiation team, described the talks as both cordial and constructive. He confirmed that the 35 workers listed by Jamaat-e-Islami would be released immediately. Tarar emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the party’s demands, noting the broader goal of enhancing national stability and offering public relief.
“The government is ready to take every step necessary for the country’s prosperity,” Tarar stated. He highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to stabilize the economy, including foreign investment initiatives and stabilization of the rupee. A technical committee has been formed to address Jamaat-e-Islami’s demands, comprising the Minister of Water and Power, the Secretary of Energy, representatives from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and officials from the Ministry of Finance.
Engineer Amir Muqam supported the government’s approach, aligning with Jamaat-e-Islami’s goals of reducing petrol prices, increasing salaries, and eliminating excessive taxes. “We all share the same agenda for economic improvement,” Muqam said.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s negotiation committee head, Liaquat Baloch, expressed satisfaction with the initial talks. He highlighted that the protest was driven by widespread public issues, such as unaffordable electricity bills and high petrol prices, rather than party interests. Baloch criticized the role of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) on the economy and presented a comprehensive report to the government committee, arguing that the issues should not be dismissed as mere international agreements, except for those with China, which he described as a close ally.
The government has promised further discussions through the newly formed technical committee, and Baloch affirmed that the sit-in and protests would continue until substantial progress is made. He stressed the need for genuine government engagement to provide relief to the public and warned that without serious action, the protests would persist as Jamaat-e-Islami continues to advocate for the people’s rights.
