Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has declared plans for nationwide sit-ins beginning August 16 to protest against the petroleum levy. Demonstrations will commence at 4 pm outside the Chief Minister’s House in Lahore and the Governor Houses in Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, speaking at a press conference in Lahore, cautioned that any government interference with the protests could escalate the campaign into a broader movement aimed at toppling the administration. He emphasized that while the sit-ins will start on August 16, their conclusion remains open-ended, underscoring the party’s resolve to oppose what it describes as injustice towards the public.
Naeemur Rehman accused the government of collecting Rs1,567 billion from citizens through petroleum levies, surpassing the limits set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. He demanded a reduction in petrol prices to Rs225 per litre and called for the price of bread to be fixed at Rs10.
The JI leader highlighted the party’s history of conducting sit-ins at 510 locations without causing damage to public property. He warned that any attempts by the government to disrupt the sit-ins would be met with serious consequences.
In addition, Naeemur Rehman urged a review of agreements with independent power producers (IPPs), a decrease in electricity and gas tariffs, and an end to the privileges enjoyed by the elite class. He also proposed limiting government officials and bureaucrats to vehicles with engines no larger than 1,300cc, arguing that excessive government expenditure ultimately burdens the public.
Addressing the ongoing strike by goods transporters, the JI chief questioned who would represent the interests of ordinary citizens amid multiple groups demanding concessions. He noted that while negotiations have occurred with some factions, others remain on strike with unresolved demands.
The Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance’s strike has entered its sixth day, although the Mini Mazda Association ended its strike the previous day. Goods transport depots in various parts of Lahore, including Circular Road, remain closed, causing significant disruption to goods transportation.
Alliance president Nabeel Tariq stated that talks with the petroleum minister have failed to yield progress. He noted that despite the Mini Mazda Association’s return to work, the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance is responsible for approximately 80 percent of goods transportation from Lahore.
Meanwhile, the government raised the margin for petroleum dealers by Rs1.34 per litre following a nationwide strike threat from the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association. This increase brought the dealers’ margin to Rs9.98 per litre, leading the association to withdraw its strike call.
