Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has announced a nationwide campaign against the petroleum levy.
He made the remarks while addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in Mansoorah.
Hafiz Naeem said the government contacted Jamaat-e-Islami after the nationwide strike held on September 3.
He said the party would present its charter of demands on Thursday. The demands will focus on public relief measures.
The JI chief criticized the government over its petroleum pricing policies. He questioned why consumers receive limited relief when global oil prices decline.
Hafiz Naeem argued that the petroleum levy is separate from international oil prices. He described the levy as “extortion money” collected from the public.
He said the government should provide greater relief when global energy prices fall. He also called for greater transparency in petroleum pricing.
The JI emir also criticized government policies regarding domestic borrowing. He alleged that banks receive favorable treatment over loans taken within the country.
Hafiz Naeem further raised concerns about the expenses of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officials. He claimed these costs ultimately create an additional burden on citizens.
He also criticized the ruling elite for focusing on foreign visits. According to him, public concerns remain unresolved during these trips.
Earlier, Hafiz Naeem had announced plans to collect public opinion about the petroleum levy. He said the party would gather signatures from five crore people.
The campaign will seek public views on the continuation of the petroleum levy. Hafiz Naeem said the referendum would be based on public participation.
He described the upcoming nationwide strike as a rehearsal for further action. He also announced plans for a possible wheel-jam strike.
The JI chief urged party workers to prepare for a long march. He said the movement could continue if the government rejected their demands.
Hafiz Naeem also announced that JI sit-ins would not end without progress. He specifically linked their continuation to the abolition of the petroleum levy.
He said the party would continue raising public concerns through protests and political activity. The campaign is expected to focus heavily on fuel prices.
The government has yet to announce its response to all of the JI’s demands. Further developments are expected after the party submits its charter.
Jamaat-e-Islami has continued pressing for measures aimed at reducing financial pressure on citizens. The petroleum levy remains a major point of disagreement between the party and government.
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