Chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, on Friday condemned the sharp rise in petroleum prices, calling it a “petrol bomb” on the public. He announced a countrywide agitation to protest the price increase, urging citizens, especially the youth, to join the demonstrations.
According to official data, petrol prices have jumped by Rs138 per litre, reaching Rs458.40 per litre. Diesel has risen by Rs184 per litre to Rs520.35 per litre. Hafiz Naeem criticized these hikes, saying they have made fuel unaffordable for the common people.
In a video statement, he asked the government to defer payments to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and regasification plants. He suggested the authorities cut their own expenses instead of transferring the financial burden to citizens. He called the repeated fuel price hikes “burying people alive,” highlighting the struggles of poor and middle-income families.
Hafiz Naeem also pointed out that rising taxes, in addition to fuel prices, are worsening the economic situation. Motorcyclists, delivery workers, students, and daily wage laborers are expected to suffer the most. He accused the government of enjoying luxuries while ordinary citizens face growing hardships.
The Jamaat-e-Islami chief questioned why the government continues to pay billions to IPPs under capacity charges. He also criticized ongoing payments to regasification plants at ports, despite no gas supply. According to him, stopping these payments could ease public suffering.
Announcing the countrywide agitation, Hafiz Naeem said demonstrations would start immediately. He warned that the government would have to respond to growing public pressure. “People’s voices cannot be ignored,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of collective action.
The launch of this protest marks a significant step in voicing public discontent over rising fuel costs. Citizens are being encouraged to participate peacefully in the countrywide agitation and demand relief from the government.
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