LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has announced a march towards the Chief Minister’s House in Lahore on August 9, demanding the withdrawal of the petroleum levy and a reduction in fuel prices.
Addressing a protest at Qurtaba Chowk on Ferozepur Road on Friday night, Hafiz Naeem said the petroleum levy was unacceptable and described it as a “bhatta” and “jagga tax” imposed on the people.
He said the government must withdraw the levy and bring the price of petrol down to Rs225 per litre. He also called for reductions in electricity, flour and sugar prices, saying ordinary citizens were already struggling with rising living costs.
Criticising the government’s economic policies, the JI chief said the government should stop using the International Monetary Fund as an excuse. He questioned whether official vehicles for senior officials and the bureaucracy were purchased after seeking IMF approval.
Hafiz Naeem said the party had launched its movement against the petroleum levy and that Friday’s protest was only the beginning. He announced that Jamaat-e-Islami would resume its campaign on Sunday, with a march towards the Chief Minister’s House in Lahore on August 9.
He further announced that sit-ins would begin in all four provinces on the same day, calling on party workers and citizens to participate in the campaign until the government withdraws the petroleum levy.
