JI chief questions train delay as march comes to a pause at Sukkur

Jamaat-i-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman criticized Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday, urging him to take decisive action and withdraw the petroleum levy to provide much-needed relief to the public. The JI had launched a protest march towards Islamabad, departing from Karachi by train and arriving in Sukkur at night. Rehman expressed concern over the four-hour delay in the Shalimar Express, which was supposed to take the march towards Multan.

At a press conference, he questioned whether the delay was related to the protest or a routine issue with Pakistan Railways. He highlighted that if such delays are common, it reflects poorly on the government's performance in managing the railway system.

Rehman further criticized the government's scheme to subsidize fuel for motorcyclists, stating that the allocated Rs26 billion per month might not be effectively utilized due to unregistered motorcycles and the government's recovery of Rs150 billion in petroleum levy from citizens monthly. He demanded that the petrol price be reduced to alleviate the financial burden on the public.

The train march aimed to reach Multan via Shalimar Express, with the JI subsequently marching by road towards Islamabad. Rehman also accused the PPP of obstructing the train march and those welcoming it.