LAHORE, — Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has demanded that the government reduce the price of petrol to Rs225 per litre, warning that public frustration over inflation and fuel prices has reached its limit.
Addressing a protest organized by the Jamaat-e-Islami Women’s Wing on Lahore’s Wahdat Road, Hafiz Naeem announced that peaceful sit-ins would be held at more than 510 locations across Pakistan on Friday to protest rising fuel prices and the petroleum levy.
Nationwide Demonstrations Planned
Hafiz Naeem said demonstrations would begin at 4:00 p.m., adding that roads would remain open only for emergency services.
He stated that ambulances would be allowed to pass, but warned that if authorities attempted to obstruct the protests, the movement could expand into a broader anti-government campaign.
Criticism of Petroleum Levy
The JI chief described the petroleum levy as an unfair burden on the public, claiming that consumers were paying approximately Rs125 in taxes on every litre of petrol.
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He argued that although international oil prices had declined following regional tensions, domestic fuel prices had not been reduced accordingly.
Government Urged to Provide Relief
Hafiz Naeem urged the government to immediately provide relief to citizens struggling with rising living costs.
He said inflation had placed severe financial pressure on households, particularly women responsible for managing family budgets, and accused the government of ignoring the economic hardships faced by ordinary Pakistanis.
Criticism of IMF-Linked Policies
The Jamaat-e-Islami leader also criticized the government’s economic policies, alleging excessive dependence on the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
He claimed that while the IMF advises fiscal discipline, the government has failed to reduce its own expenditures while continuing to increase the financial burden on citizens.
JI has called on supporters and the public to participate in the peaceful protests across the country, demanding lower fuel prices and broader economic relief.
