Hafiz Naeem sets September 20 deadline for petroleum levy protest

Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman announced while addressing a sit-in in Gujranwala. He said the march would move towards Islamabad if the government failed to abolish the levy.

The announcement adds pressure on the government over fuel-related taxes, which have become a major concern for consumers facing rising living costs.

JI sets September 20 deadline

Hafiz Naeem said millions of people from across the country would participate in the planned march if the petroleum levy was not withdrawn.

He warned that the protest movement would continue despite possible attempts to block the roads. “The government can place as many containers as it wants, but we will remove the containers and reach Islamabad,” he said.

The statement signals a strong stance by the JI leadership ahead of the proposed demonstration. However, the actual size of the march and the arrangements for participants will depend on developments before September 20.

The party has presented the levy as an additional burden on people already struggling with higher household expenses. Its campaign is focused on reducing the cost of fuel and challenging the taxes included in petroleum prices.

Hafiz Naeem questions fuel taxes

The JI emir also challenged the government’s explanation that petrol prices are linked to changes in the international market.

“We understand the issue of the international market, but tell us why there are levies and heavy taxes,” he said.

His remarks focused on the difference between international oil prices and the additional charges applied to fuel in Pakistan. He argued that consumers should not face unnecessary financial pressure through taxes and levies.

Hafiz Naeem further claimed that locally produced oil was being charged at the same rate as imported oil. The statement was made as part of his criticism of the government’s fuel pricing policy.

The government’s position on the levy and the specific pricing details were not included in the provided report.

Labour rights also raised at sit-in

During his address, Hafiz Naeem expanded his criticism beyond fuel prices and discussed the rights of workers.

He alleged that employees working at Nawaz Sharif’s mills were not receiving their due rights. He also claimed that workers at sugar mills were not being properly registered.

The JI leader said labourers should receive legal protections and fair treatment. His remarks connected the petroleum levy protest with wider concerns about employment conditions and workers’ welfare.

He also spoke about the financial pressures facing families, saying mothers and sisters were being forced to work. He criticised Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in this context, alleging that women were being exploited despite her own position as a woman.

These were political allegations made during the address, and the report did not include responses from the people or institutions mentioned.

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Claims about violence against women

Hafiz Naeem also raised concerns about violence against women in Punjab.

He claimed that 6,500 cases of sexual violence against women had been reported in the province. The report did not provide a source, time period or further details to independently assess the figure.

The JI chief used the issue to criticise the provincial government’s performance on women’s safety. He argued that authorities should take stronger steps to protect women and ensure justice for victims.

The claim requires verification through official crime records or other reliable data. No response from the Punjab government was included in the report.

Criticism of Maryam Nawaz’s London visit

Hafiz Naeem also criticised Maryam Nawaz over her visit to London.

He alleged that she was enjoying the trip using public money and challenged her to disclose the complete expenses. The remarks were part of his broader criticism of the provincial government and its leadership.

He further alleged that Maryam Nawaz, her uncle and her father were exploiting poor people. He also claimed they declared less income in tax returns and statements of assets than an ordinary businessman.

These allegations were made by the JI emir during his speech. The report did not include documentary evidence or responses from Maryam Nawaz or the other individuals mentioned.