Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan has demanded open court trial in foreign women assault case in Lahore.
JI Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman made this demand during a press conference at Mansoorah, Lahore on Tuesday.
He said justice must not only be done but be seen to be done regardless of the influence of those accused.
Rehman also announced nationwide protests and sit-ins on Friday, July 10, against the government’s “extortionary” petroleum levy.
The incident involving foreign women, he said, had brought embarrassment to Pakistan. He called for complete transparency in the legal proceedings. Rehman alleged that the conduct of the Punjab Police had further damaged the country’s image. He insisted that influential suspects should not receive preferential treatment.
The JI chief said the nationwide demonstrations would be held against the heavy taxes imposed on petroleum products. He claimed the government was collecting Rs118 per litre in taxes and petroleum levy from consumers.
Petrol at Rs225:
The government, he added, had so far collected around Rs8.5 trillion. Rehman accused the rulers of using the money to meet revenue targets instead of improving petroleum infrastructure. He maintained that petrol should cost no more than Rs225 per litre.
The JI Emir called on the government to raise what he described as India’s aggression over Pakistan’s waters at international forums. And immediately begin work on the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, and formalise trade with Iran.
Turning to domestic issues, he criticised the recent increase in gas prices, alleged widespread corruption in the FBR. And accused the ruling elite of ignoring the economic hardships of ordinary Pakistanis while indulging in lavish spending.
Expressing grief over the recent Kahna tragedy in which several children lost their lives, he urged the Punjab government to improve public infrastructure instead of targeting tuition centres. He also called for dialogue to resolve the Azad Jammu and Kashmir issue.
