LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has announced a nationwide shutdown and a long march towards Islamabad after Rabi-ul-Awwal 12 if the government does not withdraw the petroleum levy.
The announcement came as Jamaat-e-Islami sit-ins in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar entered their eighth day.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Hafiz Naeem said the protests would continue until the government withdraws the petroleum levy.
He also announced a large public gathering in Lahore and urged citizens to attend.
Jamaat-e-Islami Plans Long March
Hafiz Naeem said the party’s campaign was moving towards a decisive stage.
He said the three existing sit-ins would continue. Jamaat-e-Islami would also establish protest camps in other cities.
The party plans to hold Milad gatherings and Seerah conferences at the protest sites during the nights of Rabi-ul-Awwal 11 and 12.
After Rabi-ul-Awwal 12, the party plans to launch a shutdown campaign and a long march towards Islamabad.
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Hafiz Naeem Criticizes Petroleum Pricing
The Jamaat-e-Islami chief accused refineries of selling locally produced diesel at prices linked to imported diesel.
He claimed that refineries were making excessive profits while consumers faced higher fuel costs.
Hafiz Naeem said people were already struggling with inflation. He added that students, young people and farmers were facing increasing financial pressure.
He also criticized the government over fuel prices during the ongoing war and said ordinary citizens should not bear the burden of policies that benefit a limited number of people.
JI Rejects Government’s Claim Over Fuel Prices
Hafiz Naeem rejected claims that the Jamaat-e-Islami protests were responsible for higher petroleum prices.
He argued that fuel prices could have increased further if the protests had not taken place.
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He said the party was willing to negotiate if the government held serious talks. However, he made clear that the sit-ins would continue until the petroleum levy was withdrawn.
Criticism of Sugar Imports
The Jamaat-e-Islami leader also accused the government and sugar mill owners of benefiting from the sugar crisis.
He claimed that the government had justified the import of 765,000 tonnes of sugar by citing a shortage.
Hafiz Naeem alleged that powerful interest groups were exploiting consumers and said the government needed to take action against profiteering.
Hafiz Naeem Calls JI a Peaceful Party
Hafiz Naeem said Jamaat-e-Islami was a peaceful political party and did not seek to harm anyone.
He said peaceful protests put pressure on the government without causing widespread damage.
He contrasted peaceful demonstrations with violent protests, saying violence could lead to arrests and damage while political leaders later returned to negotiations.
Comment on Imran Khan’s Medical Check-up
Responding to a question about former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s medical check-up, Hafiz Naeem said the government should fully comply with the relevant court order.
He stressed that the authorities should follow the court’s directions regarding the matter.
