Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman issued a stern warning on Monday, stating that his party might resume its protest movement from Multan at any moment if Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif does not fulfill his promise to provide relief from soaring fuel prices. Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Hafiz Naeem criticized the government’s fuel relief package as insufficient and called for the complete removal of the petroleum levy.
He emphasized that the relief measures were not benefiting the majority, estimating that only 20 to 25 percent of the population were receiving any advantage. Highlighting the widespread impact of fuel costs, he noted Pakistan’s approximately 25 million motorcycles and over four million cars, underscoring how fuel price hikes affect everyday consumers.
Hafiz Naeem reiterated JI’s demand to abolish the petroleum levy, pointing out that while the government announced a monthly relief of Rs26 billion, it simultaneously collects around Rs150 billion each month through fuel-related charges. He insisted that the relief package was inadequate and that eliminating the levy was the genuine solution. Furthermore, he mentioned that JI had submitted proposals outlining how the levy could be removed effectively.
The JI chief also highlighted that public transport users were excluded from the government’s relief efforts. He accused the government of initially resisting relief measures and only acting after protests and sit-ins gained momentum. Hafiz Naeem criticized opposition parties for failing to raise these public concerns and stressed that JI had remained steadfast in its demands without any retreat.
In a significant development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had contacted Hafiz Naeem during his visit to the United States, assuring him that the fuel issue would be reviewed upon his return to Pakistan. This assurance led JI to postpone its planned long march from Karachi to Multan. Hafiz Naeem urged the prime minister to honor this commitment and act responsibly.
He also mentioned that JI had set October 7 as a deadline for its activities related to Gaza and would announce its future plans thereafter. Since mid-August, JI has been spearheading protests nationwide, demanding a reduction in the petroleum levy following sharp increases in petrol and diesel prices. These price hikes are linked to energy supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict.
The government maintains the petroleum levy as part of its obligations under current loan agreements with the International Monetary Fund. Presently, petrol is 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 per litre levy. Both fuels are also subject to an additional Rs5 per litre climate support charge.
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