JI sets up 25 camps across Karachi to step up its protest drive

In Karachi, the Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) has established 25 protest camps across the city to advocate against the petroleum levy, IPP agreements, and K-Electric's persistent load shedding. Citizens gathered at these camps to express solidarity with the JI's demands and signed a petition seeking the removal of the petroleum levy, a review of IPP agreements, lower electricity prices, and an end to load shedding.

JI Karachi leader Monem Zafar visited several camps in Central Gulberg, Liaquatabad, Water Pump, Federal B Area, and delivered a speech to attendees. Zafar argued that the government was imposing a heavy financial burden on citizens through the petroleum levy, which collected Rs1,567 billion the previous fiscal year. He emphasized that the government should address its own spending rather than burdening the public and called for the complete abolition of the levy, pointing out that petrol consumers were paying Rs130 per liter, with Rs85 of that amount being the petroleum levy.

Zafar also urged for the review of IPP agreements to alleviate electricity costs and support consumers. The JI's struggle is not confined to a specific class or area but aims to resolve issues affecting all citizens, he stated. Karachi residents are grappling with multiple challenges, including inflation, unemployment, prolonged load shedding, water scarcity, and inadequate infrastructure.

The extra financial strain of the petroleum levy is exacerbating their hardships, Zafar added. Regarding the electricity situation, Zafar stressed its significance for Karachi's populace. He argued that fines for electricity theft should be imposed by the appropriate authority, and the entire population should not be penalized for this issue.

A difference of Rs7.60 has emerged in K-Electric's basic tariff following a decision by the Nepra, he noted.