The protest was led by JI Karachi chief Munim Zafar Khan. Party workers reached the Governor’s House and gathered on the road after security authorities placed containers to block access to the area.
A heavy contingent of police and Rangers was deployed around the Governor’s House.
Addressing the protesters, Munim Zafar Khan said the JI had reached the Governor’s House to raise its voice for the rights of the people.
He demanded the withdrawal of the petroleum levy and criticised the government for imposing what he called an increasing burden of taxes on ordinary citizens.
Khan claimed that Rs1.22 trillion had been collected from the public through the petroleum levy in 2024 and accused the government of continuing to increase taxes while maintaining what he described as excessive official spending and privileges.
He also criticised the government’s policies regarding independent power producers (IPPs) and the electricity sector.
The JI leader also criticised the federal and provincial governments over Karachi’s longstanding problems and questioned the performance of institutions responsible for taxation and public services.
Khan further raised the issue of the killing of Mir Raza, calling on the Sindh government and law-enforcement agencies to identify and arrest those responsible. He demanded justice for the victim’s family.
The JI Karachi chief said his party would continue its campaign for the basic rights of Karachi’s residents and would not limit its protest to the area outside the Governor’s House. He warned that the party would continue its nationwide campaign until the government addressed its demands.
The Karachi protest was part of simultaneous JI demonstrations held in several major cities, including Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta, against the petroleum levy, fuel prices, inflation and rising taxation.