He proposed fixing utility prices for the next several years, terminating expensive agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and regasification projects, and moving towards an interest-free economic system. He also called for the implementation of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, strengthening local governments and increasing the education budget.
Criticising the current taxation system, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman said the government was collecting billions of rupees through petroleum levy and taxes imposed on electricity and gas bills. He claimed that out of an annual tax revenue of Rs18 trillion, around Rs12 trillion was collected directly from ordinary citizens and questioned the performance of the Federal Board of Revenue, which employs around 25,000 people.
He further alleged that the government was planning to sign additional IPP agreements for 26,000 megawatts of electricity generation and vowed to oppose such moves. He demanded a reduction in fuel prices to Rs230 per litre, complete income tax exemption for salaries up to Rs125,000 per month, and a 50 percent reduction in the current tax rate for higher-income earners. He also called for taxation of large landowners while providing facilities and support to small farmers.
The Jamaat-e-Islami chief said Pakistan currently spends only 1.7 percent of its GDP on education and argued that the allocation should be increased to between four and five percent. He reiterated the party’s opposition to the privatisation of national institutions and said Jamaat-e-Islami had prepared a policy paper outlining its recommendations on the issue.
He stated that the defence budget should not be reduced given national security requirements, although administrative expenditures within the military budget could be reviewed. He also called for direct allocation of NFC funds to local governments, accusing provincial governments of withholding resources meant for local bodies.
Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman said that if Jamaat-e-Islami comes to power, it would work to eliminate interest-based financial practices, strengthen the zakat system, and prioritise education and vocational training for young people.
The event was also addressed by Syed Firasat Shah, Nasrullah Randhawa, IT expert Shahid Naeem, Asim Riaz and Uzair Nishtar. Other participants included Information Secretary Shakeel Ahmad Turabi, social media head Salman Sheikh, economist Qanit Khalil and senior party leaders.
