Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) organized sit-ins across Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and other key cities on Monday, marking the second consecutive day of protests against steep petroleum levies, rising inflation, and inflated utility bills. These demonstrations represent the next phase of the party’s nationwide campaign, following earlier protests held at hundreds of locations earlier this month.
In the government’s latest review on Thursday, the levy on diesel was increased by Re1, reaching Rs77.28 per litre, while the levies on petrol and kerosene remained unchanged at Rs80 and Rs20.36 per litre, respectively. The surge in inflation has made even basic necessities unaffordable for many low-income families.
Addressing the crowd at a sit-in in Lahore, JI Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman described the peaceful protests across all four provinces as the start of a broader movement. He emphasized that the party plans to escalate the sit-ins further, expressing satisfaction with the widespread turnout nationwide and outlining a strategic approach to the ongoing demonstrations.
In Karachi, JI Karachi women wing leader Javed Fahim spoke at a sit-in outside the Governor House, sharply criticizing the government. She accused the rulers of admitting defeat by insisting the country cannot function without imposing petroleum levies and taxes. She demanded that the government either resign or address their demands promptly. Fahim also warned that if their demands remain unmet, sit-ins would be held on all major roads throughout the port city.
Meanwhile, JI Karachi chapter Emir Monem Zafar Khan reiterated the clarity of their demands, stating that the public is being exploited through excessive petroleum levies. He called for a reduction in fuel prices and demanded a forensic audit of independent power producers (IPPs). Khan stressed that controlling inflation should be the government’s foremost priority and affirmed that the sit-ins will persist until their demands are met.
