Jamaat-e-Islami Announces Nationwide Protest Against Petrol Levy on August 7

Jamaat-e-Islami has announced a nationwide protest against the petrol levy in Pakistan, calling on citizens to take to the streets on August 7 to oppose what it describes as excessive taxes on petroleum products.

The Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman lashed out at the government’s fuel tax policy in the media in Karachi. The party would oppose the ongoing imposition of the petrol levy, he said, adding that the public, particularly the youth, should take part in non-violent protest actions.

The announcement follows a continuing the trend of rising fuel prices and petroleum taxes, which have left public concern about the cost of living. Hafiz Naeem called upon bikers to park their vehicles outside on the protest as a symbolic gesture against the government’s fuel pricing policies.

He also added that Muneem Zafar would make announcement of the protest programme in Karachi soon and urged the supporters to be peaceful and disciplined while registering their protest.

In the media briefing, Hafiz Naeem also lashed out at the ruling coalition in Sindh, alleging the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) of political hypocrisy. Both sides are coalition partners despite their public attacks on each other, he claimed.

The Jamaat-e-Islami protest against petrol levy Pakistan is likely to highlight the rising discontent among the masses regarding the high fuel price, inflation and financial strain imposed by the petroleum tax. The party claims that the protests are meant to bring the government to a decision on its fuel taxation policy and ease the burden on consumers.

With fuel prices continuing to be a top issue for both households and businesses, the scheduled protest may well prove to be a pivotal political event to watch, as many Pakistanis await the government’s response to their demands on the petrol levy.