JI gives government Sept 10 deadline to end petroleum levy

The Jamaat-i-Islami protest campaign against the petroleum levy entered its 24th day as party chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman addressed supporters at a sit-in outside the Governor House.

He said the protests would continue while talks with the government remained open.

However, the JI chief warned that the party would issue a “final call” on Sept 10 if the government failed to address its demands.

The announcement has increased pressure on the government at a time when rising fuel prices are already causing concern among consumers.

JI demands withdrawal of petroleum levy

Hafiz Naeem said JI was seeking an end to the petroleum levy and other taxes that increase the cost of fuel for ordinary people.

His statement came one day after the government raised petroleum prices by Rs13 per litre.

The JI chief strongly criticised the increase and questioned the government’s approach to fuel pricing.

He argued that consumers should benefit when international oil prices fall instead of facing higher domestic prices.

“The fluctuation in the global market is one thing, but there is no justification for the extortion tax,” he said.

According to Hafiz Naeem, the government was collecting Rs85 per litre as petroleum levy.

He also claimed that total taxes on petrol were around Rs130 per litre, arguing that the burden was especially difficult for people with limited incomes.

The JI leader highlighted students and motorcycle riders as examples of consumers who are heavily affected by higher fuel costs.

Party says protests are spreading

Hafiz Naeem said JI was currently holding sit-ins in 32 cities as part of its campaign.

He indicated that the party would continue the demonstrations until its demands were addressed by the government.

The Karachi sit-in outside the Governor House has become a central point of the campaign.

The party has also announced further demonstrations, including activities involving women in different cities.

Hafiz Naeem said a “major demonstration” would be held at the Governor House in Karachi on Wednesday afternoon.

He also announced planned rallies in Gujranwala and Islamabad.

The wider campaign is aimed at increasing public pressure over fuel prices, taxation and other economic concerns raised by the party.

JI warns of march on Islamabad

The JI chief said the government’s committee had been given three days to respond to proposals submitted by the party.

He warned that JI would not accept further delays in responding to its demands.

“Let the rulers hear: you will have to end the levy and the tax,” he said.

“Otherwise, I will give the final call on September 10 for a march on Islamabad. The march would be launched to uproot this cruel regime.”

The statement marked a sharper warning from the party after weeks of protests.

A march towards the federal capital could increase political pressure on the government if the party proceeds with the plan.

However, Hafiz Naeem did not close the door on negotiations.

Dialogue with government remains open

Despite announcing the Sept 10 deadline, the JI chief said his party would continue to keep communication channels open with the government.

This means negotiations could still take place before the deadline.

The party wants the government to respond to its proposals instead of delaying the matter further.

Hafiz Naeem also called on other opposition parties to support the movement.

His appeal suggests JI wants to expand the campaign and bring more political groups into its protest against fuel taxes and rising costs.

Whether other parties join the movement could influence the scale of any future demonstrations.

Also Read:Lawyer’s body discovered in parked car at Rawalpindi Judicial Complex

Fuel prices remain at the centre of dispute

The latest dispute comes after the government increased petroleum prices by Rs13 per litre.

Fuel prices have a direct effect on transportation costs and can also influence the prices of food and other everyday goods.

JI has argued that the government should provide greater relief to ordinary consumers when international oil prices decline.

Hafiz Naeem criticised what he described as an uneven approach, saying prices rise when international rates increase but consumers do not receive similar benefits when global prices fall.

He also criticised the PML-N, PPP and MQM-P during his address.

The government has yet to meet the party’s main demand for withdrawal of the petroleum levy.

JI raises issue of Somali-held Pakistanis

During the rally, Hafiz Naeem also raised another issue involving Pakistani citizens reportedly being held hostage by Somali pirates.

He said the families of the alleged hostages had joined the Karachi sit-in.

The JI chief called attention to the families’ concerns as the party continued its wider protest campaign.

The issue adds another demand to the list of concerns being highlighted at the sit-in.

JI has continued using the Karachi protest to raise both economic and public-interest issues.