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Nationwide Protests to Start August 16
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has announced countrywide sit-ins against the petroleum levy from August 16, with protests set to begin at 4 pm outside the Chief Minister’s House in Lahore and Governor Houses in Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa .
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman warned that any attempt by the government to obstruct the protests could turn the campaign into a movement to oust the government . “We are announcing the start of sit-ins from August 16, but not their end,” he said, adding that the party would not remain silent over what he termed injustice against the public .
JI Demands and Government Levy
Naeemur Rehman claimed the government had collected Rs1,567 billion from the people through petroleum levies, exceeding the amount stipulated under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme . He demanded that the government bring down the price of petrol to Rs225 per litre and fix the price of bread at Rs10 .
The JI chief also called for a review of agreements with independent power producers (IPPs), reduction in electricity and gas prices, and an end to privileges enjoyed by the elite . He said bureaucrats and government officials should not be provided vehicles above 1,300cc, arguing that excessive government spending ultimately burdens the public .
Goods Transporters’ Strike Continues
Referring to the ongoing strike by goods transporters, the JI chief questioned who would address the demands of ordinary citizens . The Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance’s strike entered its sixth day, disrupting the transportation of goods. The alliance has demanded an end to the daily revision of petroleum prices and a return to a monthly fuel pricing system . Transporters are also protesting against a 7% withholding tax imposed on the sector .
Government Response and Dealers’ Margin Hike
Meanwhile, the government increased the margin of petroleum dealers by Rs1.34 per litre following a nationwide strike threat by the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association . The increase took the dealers’ margin to Rs9.98 per litre, after which the association withdrew its strike call . The government has also constituted a joint committee to review the dealers’ margin mechanism in line with inflation, operational costs, and international practices .
The JI has warned that if the government tries to obstruct the protests, the movement could take a broader turn. The sit-ins are expected to continue until the government addresses the party’s demands regarding petroleum levy and overall inflation .
