MANSOORAH: Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan, has issued a stern warning to the ruling PML-N and its ally PPP regarding the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) crisis, emphasizing that only 28 days remain for the government to address the issues. Failure to take action within this timeframe will have serious consequences, he stated.
During a press conference in Mansoorah, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman outlined the reorganization of the “Haq Do Awam” movement, which aims to tackle public grievances. He criticized the political parties for prioritizing personal interests over critical issues such as rising gas and electricity bills, accusing them of focusing on political gains rather than necessary reforms.
Hafiz Naeem highlighted the ongoing gas and electricity crisis and the increasing tax burden on salaried individuals. He revealed that IPPs have received Rs. 2 trillion for not producing electricity and announced a nationwide strike and shutter-down on August 28, supported by the business community. He condemned the government’s tax exemptions for IPPs and the renewal of expired contracts, calling for accountability regarding these decisions.
He also noted that IPPs received Rs. 1.2 trillion in tax exemptions during 2017-18, while ordinary citizens face substantial utility taxes. He described this disparity as unjust and criticized the current tax system as ineffective. Hafiz Naeem referenced a Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) report indicating annual corruption of Rs. 1,299 billion related to income tax bribes, expressing frustration over the lack of reform in the FBR. Additionally, he mentioned the persecution faced by Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh over the past 15 years, including the funerals of many leaders who have died in prison.
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