JI begins sit-ins outside governors' houses over inflation, fuel prices

The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) initiated sit-ins outside governors' residences across Pakistan, gathering sizable crowds at provincial headquarters to protest poor governance, rising inflation, fuel prices, and the petroleum levy. Initially scheduled for August 9, the nationwide protest was moved to August 16 due to Independence Day festivities.

In Karachi, Munam Zafar, the JI's Karachi chief, led a march to the Governor House, where protesters faced container blockades and heavy police security. Negotiations to remove the blockades failed, leading the demonstrators to take their seats on the street outside the Governor House. The protesters chanted against the government, denouncing the petroleum levy as an "extortion tax."

Munam Zafar addressed the sit-in, calling for the levy's abolition, questioning the role of independent power producers (IPPs), and emphasizing the need for public clarity on the levy and its impact. He asserted that JI had educated the public and presented the facts, noting that those lauded for achievements were increasingly uneasy.

Zafar criticized the authorities, stating that education and health were not prioritized. He highlighted Karachi's unique perspective, asserting JI's opposition to the current system. Zafar alleged that law enforcement mishandled a murder case, questioning the protection afforded to the perpetrator. He reaffirmed JI's support for Karachi's residents and demanded immediate water provision.

The atmosphere for the sit-in was described as evolving, with protesters prepared to advance their demands.