THE Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) has called off its two-week-long sit-in after reaching an agreement with the government on the formation of a task force aimed at addressing issues related to independent power producers (IPPs), reducing electricity bills, and lowering taxes on the salaried class. The announcement of the agreement came after the fifth round of talks between the two sides, with the task force expected to submit its report to the Prime Minister within one and a half months.
JI Amir, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, emphasized that the party was deferring, not ending, the sit-in. He warned that his party would monitor the government’s promises closely and would stage another sit-in, this time at D-Chowk, if the government failed to fulfill its commitments. Both the Government and the JI deserve appreciation for handling the issue peacefully through consistent dialogue which resulted into an understanding on formation of a task force. The issues agitated by the party were surely the voice of the people but given the ground realities, it was not expected that the Government would accept them instantly in view of their linkages with the IMF package and the policy of the Government to reform the economy and expand the tax net. However, it is also a fact that the issue of electricity tariff is now in the forefront of the national debate and it will have to be resolved to the satisfaction of the people. It is, therefore, hoped that the Government will not handle the issue through the traditional tactic of finding refuge behind committees and task forces that are often formed to buy some time, allowing a hot issue to subside. JI’s Naib Amir, Liaqat Baloch said the task force would conduct an audit of IPP agreements and include foreign experts to ensure transparency. This is the most crucial aspect of the entire energy crisis and the proposed audit would help determine the future of the clause relating to the infamous capacity charges. Information Minister Ataullah Tarar added that JI’s demands were in line with PML-N’s agenda, noting that the PML-N government had already provided relief to consumers using up to 200 units of electricity, with Rs50 billion allocated for this purpose. True, but all consumers need meaningful and permanent relief as the existing tariff is simply not affordable for any category of consumers. We hope the time gained by the Government by striking an accord with the JI would be used to find out ways and means to provide substantial relief to consumers and the party would not be forced to resume its protest.
