JI announces August 16 sit-ins against rising petrol prices
JI announces nationwide protests
Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has announced sit-ins from August 16 against rising petrol prices and the growing cost of living.
The main protest in Lahore will begin at 3pm from Masjid-e-Shuhada and move towards the Chief Minister’s House, according to the party.
Rehman made the announcement at a press conference at JI’s central headquarters in Mansoorah. JI Deputy Emir Liaquat Baloch, Lahore Emir Ziauddin Ansari and other party leaders were also present.
The protests are not limited to Lahore. JI plans to hold demonstrations outside governors’ houses in other provinces as part of a wider campaign against fuel prices and petroleum levies.
Rehman criticised the government over what he described as excessive financial pressure on ordinary citizens. He demanded immediate reductions in petrol prices, electricity costs and prices of essential goods.
JI objects to petroleum levy
The JI chief claimed that the government had collected Rs1,567 billion from citizens through petroleum levies. He said the amount was higher than what had been expected under the International Monetary Fund programme.
Rehman said the party would not remain silent over what it considers unfair taxation on consumers. He called on the government to take immediate steps to reduce the financial burden on households.
“We will not remain silent over this injustice,” Rehman said while announcing the sit-ins.
The JI leader did not provide an end date for the protests. He said the party would continue the sit-ins until the government responded to its demands.
The decision puts additional political pressure on the government at a time when higher fuel and electricity costs remain major concerns for households and businesses.
Government warned against blocking protests
Rehman also warned the government against attempting to stop or disrupt the demonstrations. He said any action against protesters could lead to a much larger political campaign.
According to the JI chief, the party had previously organised sit-ins at 510 locations without damaging public or private property.
“Not even a flowerpot was broken,” he said, arguing that the party had maintained peaceful protests during its previous campaigns.
Rehman warned that the government would be responsible for any untoward incident if it attempted to interfere with the demonstrations.
He further said that any effort to sabotage the protests could transform the campaign into a movement seeking the government’s removal.
The warning suggests that JI could expand its campaign if negotiations fail or if the protests face restrictions.
Cost of living becomes central issue
The JI campaign focuses heavily on the rising cost of living. Rehman said higher petrol and electricity prices were placing an unbearable burden on ordinary people.
Fuel prices have a direct effect on transportation costs, while higher energy expenses can also increase the cost of goods and services. JI says the government should provide immediate relief rather than placing additional financial pressure on consumers.
The party has therefore linked its protest to several economic demands instead of focusing only on petrol prices.
“The party has announced the Lahore protest as part of a broader campaign against petroleum levies and rising prices, with demonstrations planned outside governors’ houses in the other provinces as well,” the emir explained.
The nationwide nature of the planned demonstrations could determine how much political pressure the campaign creates.
Also Read:Two-million PTI march planned for Islamabad on September 27
JI launches social media campaign
Alongside street protests, JI has also announced a social media campaign against the petroleum levy.
The party’s official account on X urged supporters to participate in a nationwide trend and raise awareness about the financial impact of fuel-related charges.
"The burden of the Bhatta Levy has pushed millions into economic hardship. It's time to raise our collective voice. Join the nationwide X trend campaign and make your voice count," the party said in its post.
The online campaign is expected to complement the physical demonstrations planned across the country.
JI’s strategy combines public gatherings with social media mobilisation, giving the party multiple channels to highlight its economic demands.
🚨 TREND ALERT | START NOW
— Jamaat e Islami Pakistan (@JIPOfficial) August 15, 2026
The burden of the Bhatta Levy has pushed millions into economic hardship. It's time to raise our collective voice.
Join the nationwide X trend campaign and make your voice count.#DharnaAgainstBhattaLevy pic.twitter.com/F04JQ8aqUf
