JI announces countrywide protest against petroleum levy on Sunday

Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Pakistan announced on Saturday a nationwide sit-in on Sunday to protest against the petroleum levy and other taxes imposed on petroleum products and various goods. The demonstration will begin at 4pm with participants marching from different cities to reach designated protest sites. Addressing a press conference alongside party leaders, JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman stated that the objective was to convey the concerns of suppressed laborers, students, and other societal sections to the government peacefully.

Rehman warned the government that if it interfered with the protest, it could escalate into a movement to topple the government. The party had previously organized sit-ins at 510 locations, which saw no damage to property, Rehman assured. JI demands include fixing the petrol price at Rs225, fixing the price of roti at Rs10, reducing prices of flour, electricity, and gas, and limiting the engine capacities of vehicles used by government officials.

They also called for an end to free electricity, gas, fuel, and other privileges, arguing that taxes collected from the public should be spent on their welfare. Rehman accused the government of exploiting its citizens by meeting expenses at their expense while the rulers refused to relinquish their privileges. He alleged that the federal government's expenditure had increased from Rs800 billion to Rs1 trillion, questioning the government's priorities, citing that public transport remained unavailable while the Punjab Chief Minister traveled in an aircraft worth Rs11bn.

Rehman stated that his party's agenda was solely for the public and warned of an expanded nationwide protest if the government attempted to stop the sit-in. The press conference was attended by JI Deputy Chiefs Liaqat Baloch, Mian Muhammad Aslam, Dr Attaur Rehman, and various other party leaders.