Petroleum levy protest: JI sit-in enters its 22nd day
KARACHI: A Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) sit-in outside the Governor House against the petroleum levy, taxes and agreements with independent power producers (IPPs) entered its 22nd day on Sunday, as traders and residents joined the protest, raising economic and civic grievances. JI Karachi chief Monem Zafar Khan said the withdrawal of the petroleum levy was among the main demands of the campaign, which he…
A 22-day sit-in by the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) against the petroleum levy and other economic grievances entered its final stage on Sunday. Traders and residents joined the protest, voicing concerns over various economic and civic issues. JI Karachi chief Monem Zafar Khan emphasized that withdrawal of the petroleum levy was a primary demand.
He claimed that around Rs80 was collected as petroleum levy per litre of petrol, with additional taxes pushing consumer burden above Rs130 per litre. Khan expressed that the protest would continue "from Karachi to Kashmore and Gwadar to Chitral," highlighting the shared grievance of the people regarding inflation and unjust taxes.
The JI called for an end to inflation, unjust taxes, and an exploitative economic system. Talks with the government's negotiating team were to commence on Monday, with hopes of relief for consumers on petroleum levy, IPPs, and inflation. In addition to JI members, a delegation of traders and Scheme 33 residents also visited the camp, bringing forth their grievances.
The JI's Sindh deputy chief, Hafiz Nasrullah Aziz, called the petroleum levy a national issue and vowed to continue the campaign until it was withdrawn, alleging billions were collected through the levy while the ruling elite amassed public money.
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