In a strongly worded statement from Karachi on Monday, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman demanded that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz take immediate action by selling her luxury private jet, which is reportedly valued at approximately Rs11 billion. He argued that the proceeds from this sale could be used to alleviate the severe hardships faced by ordinary citizens due to the recent sharp increase in fuel prices across the country.
The government recently announced a substantial hike of Rs55 per litre in the prices of petrol and diesel, attributing the rise to escalating global oil prices amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Following this adjustment, petrol prices have surged to Rs321.17 per litre, while diesel rates have jumped from Rs275.70 to Rs335.86 per litre, placing an enormous financial strain on the public and businesses alike.
During a press conference held in Karachi, Hafiz Naeem did not hold back in his criticism of the current administration’s approach to managing the energy crisis. He described the fuel price increase as a “petrol bomb” detonated on the common people, questioning why Maryam Nawaz has not yet taken the symbolic step of selling her extravagant jet to help ease the burden on Punjab’s residents. His remarks highlighted the disconnect between the ruling elite’s luxurious lifestyle and the everyday struggles of the masses.
In addition to calling for the sale of the jet, Hafiz Naeem proposed strict limitations on the use of high-engine-capacity vehicles within government circles. He suggested that no official vehicle should have an engine capacity exceeding 1,300 cc, condemning the prevalent use of luxury cars with engines as large as 2,500 cc. This, he argued, would not only reduce unnecessary government expenditure but also set an example of austerity and responsibility during these challenging economic times.
Expanding his critique beyond domestic issues, the JI leader also condemned the ongoing military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran, labeling these operations as acts of terrorism that threaten to destabilize the entire Middle East region. He accused the US of being heavily influenced by the arms industry, implying that profit motives are driving conflict rather than genuine security concerns. Furthermore, Hafiz Naeem criticized the United Nations for failing to maintain neutrality and effectively address global conflicts, thereby allowing violence and instability to persist.
It is worth noting that recent reports have revealed the Punjab government’s plans to acquire a fleet of 108 new vehicles for provincial ministers and bureaucrats, with an estimated cost of Rs1.14 billion. This includes 28 vehicles specifically allocated for ministers, valued at around Rs30 crore. The proposed purchases consist of a variety of models, including one Land Cruiser, two Haval H6 1.5T, five Altis Grande, ten Toyota Altis, and ten Toyota Yaris vehicles. Additionally, two ministers are slated to receive bulletproof 4×4 vehicles worth Rs4 crore, a move that has already received approval from the Services & General Administration Department (S&GAD).
These developments come at a time when the general public is grappling with soaring inflation and rising costs of essential commodities, making Hafiz Naeem’s calls for austerity and asset liquidation particularly resonant. The contrast between government spending on luxury vehicles and the financial hardships faced by ordinary citizens has sparked widespread debate and criticism across political and social platforms.
