JI announces third wave of anti-levy protests across country on Friday

Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan (JI) has declared their third wave of anti-levy protests across Pakistan on Friday, according to a statement released on Wednesday. The protests will involve sit-ins in all districts nationwide, as reported by the party's press release. Currently, the government imposes Rs114 per litre tax and duties on petrol, and Rs100 per litre on diesel.

JI and the government agreed in early September to form committees to suggest ways to reduce the levy. Party chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has instructed that the demonstrations commence as per his directive. JI remains resolute in demanding the complete eradication of the petroleum levy. The party asserts that the government has not responded to Rehman's invitation for a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and PM's adviser on political affairs Rana Sanaullah offered to convey the prime minister's message to JI Vice Emir Liaqat Baloch for a meeting, but the government has not made further contact. The party emphasizes that Rehman had previously stated that the meeting's agenda would be the abolition of the petroleum levy, and warned that the protests would persist nationwide until the government fulfills their demand.