Islamabad remains sealed as JI sit-in enters second day

A protest organised by Jaamat-e-Islami (JI) against inflated electricity bills and high inflation continued for the second consecutive day on Saturday.

A huge crowd of JI workers spent their night at Liaquat Bagh Park in Rawalpindi as the federal capital's authorities blocked the main routes to Islamabad, the final destination of the protest.

Ameer JI Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman warned the authorities that the protest would continue until their demands were accepted.

“Those imposed on us through Form 47 have caused a dire situation where brothers are killing each other over electricity bills,” said Naeem while addressing attendees of the sit-in.

"Government personalities own more than 80% of IPPs, and over Rs500 billion are being paid to them from our pockets,” he added.

The JI leader vowed to continue the sit-in until the privileges given to bureaucrats, military personnel, and judges were ended and agreements with IPPs were terminated.

On the other hand, following a two-day relief, twin cities re-entered in tightened security as the Islamabad district administration and police made all efforts to ensure that the federal capital remained completely sealed. 

The law enforcement agencies blocked the thoroughfare of Rawal Dam Chowk, Faizabad Interchange and Faisal Avenue.

Moreover, the authorities in Punjab also imposed Section 144 across the province in the wake of terrorism threats.