Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leader Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman declared that the party will initiate a march from Karachi on Sunday to oppose the petroleum levy, intensifying its campaign to demand the removal of this tax.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Rehman urged the government to eliminate the levy rather than providing relief packages that he argued fail to alleviate the financial pressure on consumers. He highlighted the struggle of ordinary people, stating that many find it challenging to afford even two meals a day while facing heavy taxation.
He detailed that customs duty, climate support levy, and petroleum levy collectively add up to approximately Rs106-107 per litre of fuel. Additional costs are imposed by dealers, transporters, refineries, and oil marketing companies, further inflating prices.
Rehman also criticized the government’s monetary policy, suggesting that reducing the policy rate could yield savings comparable to the revenue generated from the petroleum levy. He dismissed the government’s argument that IMF conditions and reliance on banks prevent such measures and questioned the autonomy of the State Bank of Pakistan.
The JI chief condemned the government’s fuel relief package, pointing out that its eligibility criteria exclude many motorcycle riders and that the relief amount of Rs500 per week is insufficient for those who qualify.
Since mid-August, JI has been spearheading protests nationwide, demanding a cut in the petroleum levy following sharp increases in petrol and diesel prices. These hikes are linked to energy supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz amidst the ongoing US-Iran conflict.
The government has imposed the petroleum levy as part of its obligations under current IMF loan agreements. Petrol is currently taxed at Rs114 per litre, including an Rs80 per litre levy, while diesel carries Rs100 per litre in taxes and duties, including a Rs77.28 levy. Both fuels also incur a Rs5 per litre climate support charge.
Rehman revealed that the government had reached out for talks again but insisted that any negotiating team must present a concrete proposal to abolish the levy. He emphasized that JI would not halt its march based solely on verbal assurances, noting that several rounds of discussions have already taken place.
He mentioned that party leader Liaquat Baloch would lead the march should the government fail to offer a substantial proposal. Additionally, Rehman criticized the government’s management of food prices, sugar mills, independent power producers, and capacity payments, calling for comprehensive measures to ease the public’s burden.
Addressing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) protest plans, Rehman stated that JI has its own strategy and will proceed to Islamabad regardless, declining to comment on PTI’s intentions. He affirmed that protests are a right and opposed the use of containers to block demonstrators.
Rehman explained that ending the Lahore sit-in after announcing the march was a deliberate part of JI’s overall approach. Responding to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s remarks, he criticized her mindset and the high costs of official foreign trips, suggesting that she should consider selling the plane used for such travels.
He further condemned what he described as a “royal” attitude among the ruling elite, highlighting that the public bears the financial burden of expensive official travel.
Regarding PTI’s planned protests, Rehman reiterated that JI will follow its own course, emphasizing the party’s commitment to its announced plan without interference.
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