March 02, 2008	Sunday	Safar 23, 1429

LAHORE, March 1: The Jamaat-i-Islami staged a demonstration at Mansoora on Multan Road on Saturday to condemn the raise in POL prices and power tariff.

Jamaat workers displayed banners and placards and raised slogans against the government for raising oil prices and electricity rate.

Addressing the demonstrators, JI Naib Amir Liaquat Baloch said the caretaker government had no right to take the policy decision in respect of increase in POL prices and power tariff, but it had done so to create problems for the new government.

He said increase in oil prices and power rates was aimed at creating unrest in the country as it would result in increase in prices of all consumer goods and cause problems for the common run of people. He said the new government should review the decision after coming to power.

Jamaat Deputy Secretary-General Farid Piracha said the caretakers had enhanced POL and power supply rates to punish the people for voting against the one-man rule and in support of the restoration of deposed judges.

LABOUR PARTY: Labour Party Secretary-General Nisar Shah and spokesman Farooq Tariq said the caretaker government could avoid increase in POL prices and power tariff by reducing taxes, but it had enhanced the rates to create an unrest in the country.

NTUF: National Trade Union Federation Chairman Yousaf Baloch and Provincial President Moeen Nawaz said all the political parties should raise voice against this increase.