Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman declared on Monday that the party will unveil the next stage of its protest campaign against the fuel levy following October 7. He sharply criticized the government’s petrol relief package, describing it as a measure imposed under pressure rather than a genuine concession to the public.
Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Hafiz Naeem emphasized that the relief package should not be viewed as a favor granted to the people. He asserted that the government was compelled to announce the package due to mounting pressure from various quarters.
The JI had earlier postponed its march, which demanded the complete removal of the petroleum levy, just a day after it commenced on September 21. This decision came after an appeal from the prime minister, who assured a meeting with the party’s leadership. The prime minister subsequently left for the United Nations General Assembly session and returned earlier this week. However, no such meeting between the prime minister and JI leaders has taken place to date.
Addressing the media again on Monday, Hafiz Naeem pointed out that the petroleum relief package would not benefit all motorcyclists, highlighting that there are approximately four million motorcycles in the country. He insisted that the only viable solution to the issue is the complete abolition of the petroleum levy.
In a significant development, he also questioned the silence of other political parties on the petroleum levy matter, asking why they have not voiced concerns over this critical issue. Hafiz Naeem further condemned what he described as a dual system favoring the wealthy, warning that such an approach would be ineffective and unjust.
Reiterating his stance, he called once again for the government to abolish the petroleum levy, stressing that the petrol relief package should not be mistaken for a public favor but rather a response to public pressure.
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