Billions of rupees could be saved from national exchequer by terminating unfair agreements with IPPs: Hafiz Naeemur Rehman
RAWALPINDI ( WEB NEWS )
Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has stated that billions of rupees could be saved from the national exchequer by terminating unfair agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), curbing corruption in various departments, including the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and eliminating the interest-based financial system.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Tuesday, he said that imposing taxes on large landholders and ending the luxurious lifestyles of the ruling elite could help steer the country back on track.
He emphasized that completing the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project would be instrumental in meeting 25 percent of the country’s energy needs. He highlighted the urgent need to explore local gas resources, citing the recent discovery in Kohat as an example, and criticized successive governments for neglecting exploration efforts.
Rehman expressed little hope for improvement under the current rulers who came to power through rigged elections based on Form-47.
In response, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has launched a national movement advocating peaceful resistance with a broad agenda that includes strengthening democracy, empowering local bodies, securing basic rights for the people, and implementing land, education, health, and tax reforms, along with establishing the rule of law, a fair justice system, and an interest-free economy.
He mentioned that JI had organized a 14-day sit-in in Rawalpindi, which led to an agreement with the government to provide relief to the masses on electricity tariffs and unjust taxes. He warned that the JI would hold the government accountable for implementing every condition of the agreement, saying the rulers had 40-day to do so or face a massive movement.
During these 40 days, Rehman said, JI would continue to apply pressure by holding public meetings in different cities, and a nationwide strike is also being considered. Public meetings have already been held in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Peshawar, with the next one scheduled in Multan on August 16, he said.
He also expressed concern over the government’s attempts to further delay local bodies elections in Islamabad, accusing successive governments in Pakistan of never showing interest in empowering local bodies. He reaffirmed that the empowerment of local bodies is a key part of JI’s national mass movement agenda.
When asked about internal accountability within the military, Rehman declined to comment directly but affirmed JI’s full support for accountability and transparency in every institution. He also highlighted the issue of oil smuggling, which he described as a major factor undermining the economy, and called for action against those involved.