Jamaat continues sit-in for second day in Peshawar

PESHAWAR – The Jamaat-i-Islami party maintained its sit-in in front of the Governor's House for a second day on Monday, protesting the rise in petroleum product prices. A significant number of party members and leaders participated in the indefinite protest, which has been organized outside governors' residences in all four provinces, as well as outside the Punjab Chief Minister's House in Lahore.

At a press conference prior to the second day of the demonstration, JI deputy emir Prof Mohammad Ibrahim Khan, alongside JI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa central emir Abdul Wasay, explained that the government was attempting to end the sit-in by proposing talks and a briefing in Islamabad regarding the issue. Prof Ibrahim Khan emphasized that the protesters' sole demand was for an immediate reduction in petroleum prices and the removal of what he described as unjust levies and taxes imposed on petroleum products.

The protesters are seeking immediate relief for the public rather than engaging in prolonged negotiations. Meanwhile, residents in Peshawar encountered substantial difficulties while traveling as the main road, Sher Shah Suri Road, was blocked and traffic was redirected to other streets. Schoolchildren faced challenges on the first day of classes following the sit-in, and many private vehicle owners were forced to take multiple routes to reach their homes.

Due to the traffic diversion, vehicles in notable areas such as Khyber Bazaar, Shoba Bazaar, on Fort Road, Grand Trunk Road, Jail Road, and Khyber Road remained immobilized.