Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has announced a nationwide strike on September 3 against the petroleum levy, warning that the party could march on Islamabad if the government fails to provide relief to the public.
Addressing participants at the JI sit-in outside the Punjab chief minister’s residence in Lahore, Hafiz Naeem criticised the government over what he described as poor governance and growing financial pressure on citizens.
He said the JI’s protest campaign had expanded beyond three cities, with demonstrations and sit-ins taking place in different parts of the country.
JI Calls for Nationwide Participation
Hafiz Naeem urged party workers and supporters to intensify the campaign and called on traders to join the September 3 strike.
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He said the protest would remain peaceful and aimed to protect the rights of citizens. He warned that the government would have to address public demands.
The JI chief said the party’s campaign focused on several issues, including the petroleum levy, agreements with independent power producers (IPPs) and what he called the “flour mafia”.
Demand for Lower Fuel and Electricity Prices
Hafiz Naeem demanded the withdrawal of the petroleum levy and an end to what he described as unfair agreements with IPPs.
He also called for lower electricity and petrol prices for traders, saying previous JI protests had contributed to relief in electricity prices.
The JI emir urged the government to provide similar relief on petroleum products and reduce the financial burden on consumers and businesses.
Hafiz Naeem Raises Questions Over Pims Tragedy
The JI leader also criticised the government over the Pims tragedy, attributing the deaths of children to alleged administrative failures and negligence.
He questioned whether doctors and paramedical staff at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences had received adequate training to handle emergencies and disasters.
Hafiz Naeem called for stronger disaster-response training across the country to improve preparedness for major emergencies.
Demand for Comprehensive Investigation
The JI chief also questioned Pims’ decision to establish a separate committee to investigate the incident after the prime minister had already constituted an inquiry panel.
He demanded a comprehensive investigation and said the matter should not end with the suspension of a single official.
Hafiz Naeem maintained that the ongoing sit-in and wider protest campaign sought to secure citizens’ rights and access to basic services.
He accused successive governments of increasing the tax burden on the public instead of ensuring adequate services and relief.
