Massive Turnout as Workers and Public Answer Hafiz Naeem’s Call
ISLAMABAD, June 24, 2026 – In response to the appeal of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan Ameer Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, a large protest rally was held in the federal capital against high petroleum product prices. The demonstration witnessed massive participation from JI workers, activists, and the general public.
The protesters raised strong slogans and demanded that the government fix the petrol price at Rs. 225 per liter for a period of three years.
‘Participation Reflects Public Anger and Grief’
Addressing the rally, JI Islamabad Ameer Engineer Nasrullah Randhawa stated that the overwhelming participation of the citizens reflects the deep anger and grief of the masses over soaring inflation.
“The imposition of the petroleum levy is sheer oppression on the poor masses. The elite decide the petrol prices while they themselves consume official fuel and enjoy free electricity, gas, and government housing,” Randhawa said.
He asserted that Jamaat-e-Islami, under the leadership of Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, will continue to raise the voice of the people. “The rulers will have to reduce the price to Rs. 225 per liter. They want to snatch the bread from the mouths of the poor,” he added.
‘Levy Funds Diverted to IPPs, Elite Mafia’
Randhawa alleged that the funds collected under the petroleum levy are being funneled to Independent Power Producers (IPPs). He revealed the following figures:
- Rs. 3,500 billion paid to IPPs
- Rs. 2,000 billion of that amount solely as capacity payments
- Rs. 1,650 billion collected from the poor in just one year through the petroleum levy
“The owners of IPPs are the same mafia sitting in the government,” Randhawa claimed. He also stated that Rs. 6,000 billion is paid annually as interest on loans. “Who owns these banks that receive the interest? Banks also belong to the same people sitting in the assemblies,” he said, reminding that the Federal Shariat Court has already ruled against interest (Riba).
‘Rs. 17 Per Unit Capacity Payment – But Not for Solar?’
The JI Islamabad chief highlighted that a capacity payment of Rs. 17 per unit is imposed on every electricity unit. He questioned, “Why does the government not pay capacity payments to the people for their solar panels?”
He demanded that the petrol price be fixed at Rs. 225 per liter for three years, inclusive of all taxes, and questioned how other regional countries provide cheaper fuel. He declared that the current price of Rs. 299 per liter is unacceptable to the people.
The rally concluded with a resolve to continue the struggle until the government heeds the public demands.
