JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has launched a Karachi-to-Islamabad protest march demanding withdrawal of the petroleum levy after talks with the government failed to resolve the dispute.
KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has launched a protest march from Karachi towards Islamabad against the petroleum levy, warning that the party’s campaign could intensify if the government does not withdraw the levy.
Rehman began the march from Karachi’s Cantonment Railway Station on Sunday, where he addressed party workers before boarding a train bound for the federal capital. A separate road caravan also set out for Islamabad as part of the party’s mobilisation campaign.
During the journey, Rehman addressed supporters at Hyderabad Railway Station before reaching the Sukkur area, where he held another gathering. He urged people to join the campaign, saying the protest was intended to seek relief for citizens facing rising financial pressures.
The JI chief accused the government of shifting the burden of economic difficulties onto the public and demanded the abolition of the petroleum levy. He argued that removing the levy would reduce the financial burden on consumers. These are JI’s stated positions and demands.
Rehman also criticised the Sindh government, alleging that obstacles were created for JI supporters travelling from different parts of the province and Balochistan. He called on the provincial authorities not to interfere with the party’s movement.
The protest caravan is scheduled to pass through several locations before continuing towards Islamabad. According to reports, the train march is expected to move from Rohri towards Multan on Monday, followed by further stages of the journey through Punjab before the final leg towards Islamabad.
The march follows weeks of JI demonstrations and sit-ins across the country over the petroleum levy. The party and the federal government have held several rounds of negotiations since September 7, but the talks have not produced an agreement that has ended the protests. JI submitted six proposals during the first round of negotiations.
A government delegation led by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah and Punjab Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has held talks with JI leaders. The government has sought proposals aimed at reducing the burden on consumers, while JI has continued to demand abolition of the levy.
Rehman has warned that the campaign could intensify if the government does not accept the party’s demands. The JI has said its long march is expected to reach Islamabad on Sept. 23 or 24.
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