Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said the party would announce the next phase of its protest campaign against the petroleum levy after October 7, while rejecting the government’s recently announced fuel relief package.
JI Chief Hafiz Naeem said the relief package should not be portrayed as a concession to the public, arguing that the government introduced the measure only after coming under pressure.
He expressed these views while talking to the reporters on Monday.
The JI had suspended its proteset against the petroleum levy on September 21, one day after the protest began, following an appeal from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his assurance that he would meet with the party’s leadership.
The prime minister subsequently travelled to attend the United Nations General Assembly session and returned earlier this week. However, the proposed meeting with JI leaders has yet to take place.
Hafiz Naeem also questioned the effectiveness of the government’s relief measures for motorcyclists, pointing out that millions of motorcycles are in use across the country.
He maintained that abolishing the petroleum levy was the only effective way to provide meaningful relief to consumers.
The JI chief also criticised other political parties for what he described as their silence on the issue, asking why they had not taken a stronger position against the petroleum levy.
He further objected to what he termed a separate relief mechanism for wealthier segments of society, saying such policies would not provide a sustainable solution.
Hafiz Naeem reiterated the party’s demand for the complete removal of the petroleum levy and said the government’s relief package should not be considered a favour to the public.
JI Chief Hafiz Naeem vows to continue sit-ins until petrol levy ends
