JI Launches Nationwide Protests Against Petroleum Levy Starting Friday

LAHORE: The Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan (JI) has announced the initiation of the third phase of its nationwide protest movement against the petroleum levy, set to commence on Friday with sit-ins planned across all districts of the country. This decision was communicated in a press release issued by the party on Wednesday.

The federal government currently imposes a petroleum levy of Rs114 per litre on petrol and Rs100 per litre on diesel. On September 3, the government and JI had agreed to form committees aimed at recommending measures to alleviate the levy and provide relief to the public. However, the JI’s firm demand remains the complete abolition of this levy, as reiterated by party emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman.

This protest movement reflects growing public discontent over rising fuel prices, which have significant implications for the cost of living and economic stability in Pakistan. The JI’s actions may intensify pressure on the government to reconsider its taxation policies, especially in light of ongoing inflationary challenges faced by citizens.

In a related development, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, have reached out to JI Vice Emir Liaqat Baloch to discuss the possibility of a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This dialogue could potentially pave the way for negotiations regarding the petroleum levy and other pressing economic issues.