LAHORE – Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has announced a protest campaign against inflation and government-imposed taxes, including a plan to block major highways across Pakistan on August 7.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, JI Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman criticised the government’s economic policies, particularly the petroleum levy, calling it an unjust financial burden on the public.
He questioned the rationale behind the levy and alleged that the government was collecting billions of rupees from citizens through excessive taxation.
Hafiz Naeem claimed that the petroleum levy and other taxes had significantly increased fuel prices, placing additional pressure on households already struggling with inflation.
The JI chief said the party would launch a nationwide movement to mobilise public support against what he described as anti-people economic policies.
He added that Jamaat-e-Islami would engage political parties, civil society groups and other stakeholders to build a united front on the issue.
Announcing the next phase of the campaign, Hafiz Naeem said the party would stage a countrywide highway blockade on August 7 as a protest against inflation and taxation.
He stated that while major roads would be blocked during the demonstrations, ambulances and emergency vehicles would be allowed to pass without obstruction.
The government has yet to respond to the party’s announcement or the allegations made during the press conference.
