By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Tuesday warned the government of a nationwide shutdown, road blockades and a march towards Islamabad if it failed to abolish the petroleum levy and provide relief to people struggling with rising fuel and living costs.
Addressing a press conference at the JI protest camp outside the Punjab Chief Minister’s House in Lahore, Rehman said the party’s protest campaign had entered its 10th day and would be expanded across Pakistan if its demands remained unaddressed.
“The people’s patience has run out,” the JI chief said, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the petroleum levy and other taxes imposed on fuel.
He said Jamaat-e-Islami would continue its sit-ins and protests until the government offered what he described as meaningful economic relief to citizens.
JI prepares nationwide strike over petroleum levy
Rehman said the party would announce the date for a countrywide strike on 13th Rabi-ul-Awwal, while its protest campaign would continue during Eid Miladun Nabi celebrations.
According to the JI leader, the party has mobilised supporters in all four provinces and is prepared to escalate the movement if negotiations with the government fail.
“Shutdowns, road blockades and a march on Islamabad are among our options,” he warned, urging the government not to test the party’s resolve.
The warning raises the possibility of a broader protest movement over fuel prices and taxation at a time when households and businesses are facing increased transportation and energy costs.
JI demands abolition of petroleum levy
The JI chief accused successive governments of transferring the consequences of economic mismanagement to ordinary Pakistanis through taxes and higher energy prices.
He said motorcyclists, students, labourers, commuters and low-income families were among those most severely affected by expensive fuel.
Rehman demanded the immediate abolition of the petroleum levy and other fuel-related taxes.
He also called for the price of roti to be brought down to Rs10, arguing that the government needed to provide direct relief on basic necessities.
Rehman criticised the government’s fuel pricing policies, claiming authorities were generating revenue from circumstances that had already placed pressure on ordinary citizens.
IPP coal imports: JI demands forensic audit
The JI emir also raised allegations of irregularities involving coal imported for independent power producers (IPPs).
He demanded a forensic audit of the coal import process and an independent investigation to establish whether any individuals or companies had benefited from alleged irregularities.
Rehman claimed consumers were paying not only for expensive fuel but also for problems associated with power-sector arrangements and capacity costs.
Referring to JI’s previous campaign against IPPs, he claimed public pressure had contributed to electricity tariffs declining by around Rs10 per unit.
He warned that the party could launch another intensified campaign if the government failed to address its demands.
JI challenges government to negotiate at protest camp
Rehman said the government could send its negotiating committee to the JI protest camp to explain how and when relief would be provided.
He ruled out travelling to Islamabad simply to receive a briefing from a government committee.
The JI chief maintained that his party’s campaign was aimed at securing economic relief for citizens rather than pursuing personal or political interests.
Hafiz Naeem targets political system
Rehman also criticised the country’s political system and questioned the public mandate of the ruling coalition, describing it as a “Form-47 product”.
He accused the PPP of failing to address governance problems in Sindh and criticised what he described as family-dominated politics in Punjab.
The JI leader also questioned delays in holding local government elections and accused the Punjab government of focusing on publicity-driven initiatives instead of addressing fundamental problems faced by citizens.
Protest movement could intensify
With JI’s sit-ins continuing and the party threatening a nationwide strike, road blockades and an Islamabad march, pressure could mount on the government to respond to its petroleum levy demands.
The next major development is expected when Jamaat-e-Islami announces its proposed nationwide strike date.
For now, Rehman has made clear that abolition of the petroleum levy remains at the centre of JI’s protest campaign, with further escalation on the table if the government refuses to concede.