Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has called on the government to immediately reverse the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices announced on Thursday. He warned that failure to do so would prompt the party to launch a nationwide “wheel-jam” strike and organize marches toward the residences of all Chief Ministers.
Speaking at a large protest rally in Lahore on Friday against the steep fuel price hike, Hafiz Naeem criticized the government’s justification of the increase based on regional circumstances, labeling it unacceptable. He argued that instead of reducing taxes and levies, the government is imposing a harsh financial burden on the Pakistani public.
“We will not accept such an excessive increase,” the JI leader asserted, highlighting that the government has consistently failed to provide relief to citizens even when global petroleum prices decline. He demanded the government revoke the price hike, eliminate the Rs 160 per litre levy on petrol and diesel, cut taxes further, and implement a 50% reduction in fuel prices for the public.
In addition, Hafiz Naeem called for an end to what he described as “illegal” agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs). He urged the government to terminate these contracts immediately, which he said result in billions of rupees being paid to IPPs, rather than imposing additional financial pressure on the masses.
He also criticized the Shehbaz Sharif administration, condemning the purchase of an Rs 11 billion aircraft for Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz amid soaring inflation. He pointed out the extensive 37-vehicle protocol arranged for the Prime Minister’s visit to Karachi as another example of government excess during difficult economic times.
Concluding his address, Hafiz Naeem issued a stern warning that if the government does not rescind the fuel price hike, the JI will proceed with a countrywide wheel-jam strike and organize marches targeting provincial capitals.
