LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has scheduled a sit-in protest in Islamabad on July 12 to voice opposition against rising electricity bills and tax increases.
During a press conference in Lahore, JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman Butt expressed his disapproval of the government’s fiscal policies for the 2024-25 budget, which include heightened taxes and electricity tariffs.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman highlighted the growing disillusionment among Pakistan’s youth, noting that many are emigrating in search of better opportunities due to the current economic pressures.
He accused the current leadership of exploiting the nation’s resources and urged the public to participate in the upcoming sit-in to demand their rights.
The JI leader called on the government to reduce power tariffs and tax rates. He also pointed out the disparity in tax contributions, noting that while the salaried class paid Rs 360 billion in taxes, the feudal class contributed only Rs 4 billion.
This discrepancy, according to Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, underscores the need for a more equitable tax system, particularly concerning the burdens placed on different segments of society.