The Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, has issued a strong ultimatum to the federal government, warning of a nationwide shutter-down and wheel-jam if the petroleum levy is not abolished immediately.
Addressing a massive protest rally against rising petroleum product prices at Abpara Chowk in the federal capital, Hafiz Naeem declared, “If the government does not end the petroleum levy, we will stage a countrywide shutdown, block roads, and stop the wheels of the economy. The rulers must stop squeezing the blood of the nation.”
He announced that JI will challenge the petroleum levy in the constitutional court on May 18.
‘Rulers Collecting Levies for Luxuries, IPPs’
Hafiz Naeem accused the government of collecting a staggering Rs. 8,666 billion through petroleum levies, with not even Rs. 10 billion spent on improving petroleum infrastructure. “The rulers collect taxes from the people to fund their own luxuries and fill the pockets of Independent Power Producers (IPPs),” he said, adding that motorcyclists alone have been burdened with over Rs. 6,000 billion through the levy.
Warning against any further hike in petrol prices, the JI chief said, “If the rulers attempt another increase, the wrath of the people will not even give them a chance to flee like Hasina Wajid. The former Bangladesh PM was airlifted to safety; our rulers will not even get that.”
He also revealed that the government has paid Rs. 3,400 billion to IPP owners while neglecting public welfare.
‘Stop Dramas and Exploitation’
Criticising Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Hafiz Naeem said, “The PM should stop his dramas of placing a stone on his chest while announcing price hikes. The uncle-niece duo (reference to PM and Maryam Nawaz) must stop using taxpayers’ money for self-promotion and false claims of performance.”
He highlighted that nearly 27.5 million children are out of school in Pakistan, with 10 million in Punjab alone. “Instead of enrolling them, schools are being sold in Punjab. Basic health units are being renamed as Maryam Nawaz clinics after being sold off.”
The JI Ameer also slammed the economic policies of the PML-N and PPP, stating that the agricultural growth rate has fallen from 6.5% to 0.5%. “Wheat is not being purchased from farmers at the support price, and the poor cannot afford subsidised flour. While the rulers’ sugar levels rise in their mills, the people’s blood sugar is dropping.”
Massive Female Participation & Nationwide Plan
The protest saw large participation from women, led by former MPA Ayesha Syed and Islamabad Naazima Qudsia Namoos. Other speakers included JI Islamabad Ameer Nasrullah Randhawa, North Punjab Ameer Dr. Tariq Saleem, Central KP Ameer Abdul Waseh, and Islamabad Secretary Zubair Safdar.
Hafiz Naeem announced that the movement against inflation has begun from Islamabad. “Historic rallies will be held in Chitral on Saturday and in Dir Pai on Sunday. A plan of action for a nationwide strike and wheel-jam will be announced after consultation. The ongoing protest movement will intensify after Eid.”
He concluded by saying, “The outdated system must be changed. The nation should prepare for a great struggle.”
Key Demands:
- Immediate abolition of petroleum levy
- Rollback of all taxes on petrol, electricity, gas, and solar panels
- End to IPP contracts and elite-oriented policies
