Chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, on Friday vehemently denounced the recent steep increase in petroleum prices, describing it as a “petrol bomb” dropped on the public by the government. He declared the launch of a nationwide protest campaign against the hike, urging citizens—particularly the youth—to mobilize and demand change.
Official data reveals that petrol prices have surged by Rs138 per litre, reaching Rs458.40 per litre, while diesel rates have climbed by Rs184 per litre to Rs520.35 per litre. In a video address, Hafiz Naeem called on the government to postpone payments to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and regasification plants, and to cut its own expenditures instead of transferring the financial burden onto the public.
He criticized the repeated fuel price increases, stating they have pushed petrol costs to an unbearable level, severely impacting poor and middle-income families. He emphasized that such policies are tantamount to “burying people alive,” as many citizens are already struggling to afford basic necessities. Furthermore, he pointed out that the government has also raised taxes, exacerbating the economic hardships faced by the population.
Hafiz Naeem highlighted that motorcyclists, delivery workers, students, and daily wage earners will be among the most affected by the latest price surge. He accused the government of maintaining luxurious spending habits while imposing financial strain on ordinary people. Questioning the rationale behind continuing payments to IPPs—amounting to billions under capacity charges—he argued these payments should be deferred to alleviate public pressure.
Additionally, he drew attention to regasification plants at ports that continue to receive daily payments despite not supplying gas, questioning why these payments have not been halted. Announcing the protest movement, he stated that demonstrations would commence nationwide starting Friday and warned that sustained public pressure would compel the government to reverse its decisions.
