Jamaat-e-Islami Delays Long March Against Petroleum Levy

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has announced a postponement of the party's long march against the petroleum levy, at the request of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Speaking at a press conference in Multan, Hafiz Naeem expressed the party's desire to engage in talks with the government to address public concerns. He indicated that the party would hold discussions with the prime minister regarding relief for the people, while maintaining that the march would continue until a meeting with Shehbaz Sharif took place.

The announcement followed a phone call from the prime minister requesting a postponement of the march for a few days. Shehbaz Sharif also stated his willingness to engage in meaningful discussions with JI on the petroleum levy after returning to Pakistan. Hafiz Naeem assured the prime minister that the party had no intention of causing law and order issues or confrontation with the government.

He emphasized that JI had taken to the streets to raise public concerns, and the government should respect their right to protest. The party would consult its Shura before responding to the prime minister's request, but stated that their commitment to protest would not waver. Despite the postponement, Hafiz Naeem reiterated JI's demand for the government to withdraw the "extortion levy" on petroleum products and provide relief to the public.

He highlighted the economic pressure faced by the poor and middle-class, citing the rising prices of wheat, flour, and sugar as examples.