LAHORE, August 24, 2026: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has announced plans to expand the party’s protest movement against inflation and the petroleum levy.

Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said protest camps had been established at several locations across Pakistan. He said the next phase of the campaign would be announced later on Monday.

The JI chief also announced plans for a nationwide strike in September. He said the party would give a formal call for the strike on 13 Rabi-ul-Awwal.

According to Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, the strike is expected to take place during the first week of September. He said the protest campaign was focused on issues affecting ordinary citizens.

“We have no personal agenda,” he said. He added that the party was protesting to highlight public concerns.

Hafiz Naeem criticised the government over rising inflation and economic policies. He said poor citizens were facing the impact of decisions made by the ruling class.

Hafiz Naeem Criticises Wheat Policy

The JI emir also raised concerns about wheat prices. He claimed that the government had allowed wheat exports.

According to him, the decision contributed to higher wheat prices in the local market. He also questioned the availability of records about wheat imported during the caretaker government’s tenure.

Hafiz Naeem said people had not received adequate economic relief. He claimed that officials within the system had failed to address major public concerns.

JI Chief Questions Petroleum Levy

Hafiz Naeemur Rehman also criticised the continued collection of the petroleum levy. He questioned why consumers were still paying the levy after diesel prices were reduced.

He argued that the levy was not properly linked to petroleum products. He demanded relief for consumers facing higher living costs.

The JI leader also criticised what he described as excessive privileges enjoyed by the ruling elite. He called for reductions in government spending and official benefits.

Hafiz Naeem referred to alleged government spending involving senior officials. He claimed that Maryam Nawaz had purchased an aircraft worth Rs11 billion.

He also alleged that the Senate chairman had acquired vehicles worth millions of rupees. These claims were presented as examples of government spending that should be reviewed.

Protest Movement May Intensify

Hafiz Naeemur Rehman warned that the protest campaign could become more intense. He said JI would consider staging sit-ins on roads if the government failed to abolish the petroleum levy.

The party has already established protest camps in different parts of the country. The announced nationwide strike is expected to become the next major step.

JI says its campaign aims to highlight inflation and other economic pressures faced by citizens. The party has also demanded stronger measures to reduce the financial burden on the public.

In other news read more about Goods Transporters’ Strike Reaches Seventh Day as Deadlock Continues

The government has yet to respond to the latest announcement regarding the nationwide strike and proposed sit-ins.