JI chief threatens march on Islamabad over petroleum levy

Jamaat-i-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has threatened to launch a nationwide protest campaign against the Pakistan government if the petroleum levy is not withdrawn. At a press conference in Lahore, Mr Rehman announced that the party would convert sit-ins into a nationwide strike, culminating in a march on Islamabad, if their demands are not met.

The protests in Lahore had already entered their eighth day, and JI pledged to establish protest camps across the country. If the government fails to respond, the party will call a nationwide strike on 13th Rabiul Awwal and march towards Islamabad. Rehman criticized the government for squeezing the public through forced levies and taxes, while protecting the privileges of the ruling elite.

He also accused the government and the sugar mafia of manipulating the sugar market. In Islamabad, JI staged protest sit-ins in Ghori Town and the Karachi Company, with more sit-ins planned in various parts of the federal capital. The party also announced sit-ins in different areas of Karachi, with the protest near Governor House continuing for the eighth consecutive day.

JI leaders vowed to continue their struggle until the petroleum levy is withdrawn and relief is provided to consumers.