JI chief announces fresh wave of protests against petroleum levy, IPPs on 16th

On Sunday, Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman announced plans for a series of sit-ins in Peshawar to protest against the petroleum levy, independent power producers (IPPs), and the privileges of the ruling elite. The sit-ins are scheduled to take place outside the Chief Minister’s House in Punjab, and the governor houses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan on August 16.

Rehman claims that IPPs have been paid for electricity generation that did not occur over the past four years. He criticized the government for collecting Rs8 trillion from the public through the petroleum levy, which he argues has turned the levy into a source of revenue during the US-Iran war.

The emir of the JI stated that the large public participation in recent protests demonstrated that people are unhappy with the "Form-47 government" and the current governance system. He emphasized that the JI is striving to protect people's rights rather than personal or political interests, and that the injustice against the people must be resolved. Rehman urged people to participate in the sit-ins, especially the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and thanked other parties for their support.

Regarding the Makkah defense agreement, Rehman welcomed the move as an important step towards Muslim unity, but called for the inclusion of Iran, Malaysia, Indonesia, and other Islamic countries to better confront external threats. He expressed concern over the suspension of trade with Afghanistan and proposed the establishment of dedicated border trade zones in consultation with all stakeholders.

Rehman urged Islamabad and Kabul to resolve their differences through dialogue and stressed that Afghan territory must not be used for terrorism against Pakistan. He also advocated for easier travel facilities for students between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as deteriorating relations have negatively impacted ordinary citizens, traders, and students.