Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman declared on Sunday that the party will initiate a nationwide shutter-down strike following 12th Rabi ul Awal. This announcement comes as JI’s protests in provincial capitals against the petroleum levy entered their eighth consecutive day.
The 12th of Rabi ul Awal, the third month in the Islamic lunar calendar, commemorates Eid Milad un Nabi (Peace Be Upon Him), celebrating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This year, the date falls on August 26.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Hafiz Naeem stated that the party’s campaign was advancing effectively and reiterated demands for the federal government to reduce petroleum product prices. He highlighted the challenges faced by the nation, citing the influence of flour and sugar mafias and the difficulties farmers encounter in accessing affordable fertiliser.
Criticizing government expenditures, Hafiz Naeem remarked that officials were using public funds to maintain expensive vehicles. He emphasized that the upcoming shutter-down strike would not be a temporary measure and clarified that protests would not cease based on mere government assurances.
He further asserted that negotiations would no longer be conducted on the premise of protesters ending their sit-ins in exchange for promises. Instead, the demonstrations will conclude only when the government fulfills the demands in a tangible manner.
The JI’s protests reflect widespread public frustration over escalating fuel prices, inflation, and soaring electricity costs. Supporters have been holding sit-ins since August 16 outside the Punjab chief minister’s residence in Lahore, as well as the governor houses in Karachi, Quetta, and Peshawar.
Meanwhile, the federal government is under increasing pressure due to consecutive fuel price hikes and their inflationary impact. This pressure has grown since the authorities shifted from reviewing fuel prices biweekly to a daily mechanism, responding to volatility in global oil markets triggered by renewed conflicts in the Middle East.
Notably, the fuel price dispute has sparked protests and demands from transporters and petroleum dealers. Earlier this week, the All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance paused its nine-day nationwide strike for 40 days after receiving assurances from federal and Sindh governments on critical issues, including petroleum pricing.
Additionally, the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association issued a 72-hour ultimatum earlier this month, urging the government to resolve pending matters and implement commitments made by the petroleum minister.
