Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has urged Pakistanis to join a nationwide strike on September 3, accusing the government of imposing an excessive tax burden on ordinary citizens.
Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said the Jamaat-e-Islami’s campaign had expanded to neighbourhoods and marketplaces across the country.
He said party workers were contacting traders and claimed that presidents of traders’ associations in major markets had backed Thursday’s strike.
Protest Against Fuel Taxes
Hafiz Naeem said the party had raised public awareness about taxes and levies that affect everyday consumers.
He pointed to the large number of vehicles and motorcycles in Pakistan and questioned the impact of fuel taxes on students and working people.
“Imagine a student buying petrol and paying 35% in taxes,” he said, describing the burden as unfair.
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He demanded the immediate withdrawal of what he described as excessive levies on fuel.
Criticism Over Electricity Payments
The Jamaat-e-Islami chief also criticised electricity tariffs, particularly capacity payments and fixed charges.
He claimed that more than Rs1.7 trillion had been paid to several independent power producers for electricity that consumers did not use.
He also accused the ruling elite of spending billions of rupees on what he called unnecessary privileges while ordinary Pakistanis continued to face rising costs.
‘Economic Terrorism’ Against Citizens
Hafiz Naeem described the country’s tax structure as “economic terrorism” imposed on Pakistanis.
He said the burden of taxes on wealthy groups ultimately falls on students, low-income families and ordinary consumers.
He also criticised the government over taxation policies, arguing that ordinary people continue to face heavy taxes while influential sectors receive concessions.
Call for Opposition Support
The Jamaat-e-Islami chief urged all opposition parties to support the campaign and asked traders to close shops across the country on September 3.
He said protests and sit-ins were already continuing in Hyderabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other cities.
According to Hafiz Naeem, a planned sit-in in Peshawar had expanded into five separate protest sites, while the traders’ response to the campaign had been encouraging.
More Protests Possible
Hafiz Naeem said the party could expand its sit-ins and announce further action after the nationwide strike.
He invited government representatives to hold talks with the Jamaat-e-Islami, saying the party was ready for negotiations.
“We are peaceful people,” he said, adding that the government should focus on making life easier for ordinary Pakistanis.
He called for the complete withdrawal of the fuel levy and other charges that he said were increasing pressure on the public.
