Jamaat-e-Islami calls for countrywide strike against rising petroleum prices

Jamaat-e-Islami has called for a countrywide strike against the rising petroleum prices and petrol levy, urging citizens to take to the streets on August 7, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman lashed out at the government’s fuel tax policy during a news conference at Mansoora in Lahore on Tuesday.

He said that the government is generating Rs1,800 billion under the head of petroleum development levy annually, which he dubbed “economic terrorism”.

Hafiz Naeem said all the main roads in district headquarters will be blocked and only ambulances will be allowed to cross the roads during August 7 protest strike. 

He said that if the petroleum prices were not decreased, then JI would decide to hold a long march.

The party would oppose the ongoing imposition of the petrol levy, he said, adding that the public, particularly the youth, should take part in non-violent protest actions.

The announcement follows a continuing trend of rising fuel prices and petroleum taxes, which have left the public concerned about the cost of living. 

Hafiz Naeem called upon bikers to park their vehicles outside the protest as a symbolic gesture against the government’s fuel pricing policies.

He also added that Muneem Zafar would make an announcement of the protest programme in Karachi soon and urged the supporters to be peaceful and disciplined while registering their protest.

The Jamaat-e-Islami protest against petrol levy in Pakistan is likely to highlight the rising discontent among the masses regarding the high fuel price, inflation and financial strain imposed by the petroleum tax. 

The party claims that the protests are meant to bring the government to a decision on its fuel taxation policy and ease the burden on consumers.

With fuel prices continuing to be a top issue for both households and businesses, the scheduled protest may well prove to be a pivotal political event to watch, as many Pakistanis await the government’s response to their demands on the petrol levy.