JI announces its next phase of protest movement against PL

LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman declared Thursday the next stage of his organization's protest movement against the petroleum levy, warning the government that his campaign for public relief would persist until his demands are fulfilled. Convening a press conference on the 12th day of the JI sit-in outside Punjab Chief Minister's House, Rehman promised to disclose the date for a nationwide strike later that day.

He also announced public gatherings in Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and Swat. Acting Secretary General Nazir Ahmed Janjua and Lahore JI Emir Ziauddin Ansari attended. Rehman harshly criticized the government's handling of the PIMS incident, expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy and demanding a transparent investigation. He accused the government of inadequate security measures and called for accountability among those responsible.

Rehman also condemned the suspension of government officials following the incident, deeming it a political stunt by the PML-N government. He emphasized that the JI's sit-in was not about personal or party interests but a nationwide struggle for the 250 million people of Pakistan. Rehman reiterated the JI's core demands: lowering petrol prices, abolishing the petroleum levy, and ending unfair IPP agreements.

Despite global oil prices dropping by $7, domestic petrol prices remained unchanged. He insisted the government would eventually abolish the levy and provide relief to consumers. Rehman's previous protests had helped reduce electricity costs by Rs10 to Rs16 per unit. He also sought to involve other opposition parties in the JI's sit-in protests, calling for unity among the opposition.

At a Seerat-un-Nabi conference on the 12th day of the sit-in, Rehman advocated for an Islamic-based system and condemned those who divide the Muslim Ummah. He honored the resistance of Gaza and Iran against US and Israeli oppression, and paid tribute to the Muslim Brotherhood and Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh.