JI warns it will expand ongoing sit-ins into wheel-jam, shutter-down strike

Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan (JI) has warned of escalating its ongoing sit-ins into a nationwide wheel-jam and shutter-down strike if the government fails to abolish the petroleum levy. The party plans to establish protest camps across the country and potentially march on Islamabad if its demands are not met.

JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman described the petroleum levy as an unjustified "extortionary tax," stating that consumers are paying approximately Rs80 per liter under this charge. He asserted that while the levy was initially meant to fund oil refinery upgrades, the government has collected over Rs8 trillion from consumers, spending less than Rs100 billion on refinery improvements.

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We want relief for the nation. The abolition of the levy is not a matter of our ego; it is a matter concerning the people.

Rehman highlighted that the JI's protests in Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar are gaining traction, attracting traders, religious scholars, youth, and civil society members. He emphasized that the campaign aims to provide relief to the nation and is not a matter of ego. The party is urging Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to pass the full benefit of fuel price reductions to consumers, noting a recent cut in diesel prices and a rise in petrol prices.

Regarding negotiations, Rehman stated that JI will not participate in government briefings but expects direct engagement with the rulers. He recalled a previous successful campaign against independent power producers (IPPs), which he claimed saved the national exchequer Rs3.36 trillion. JI believes that reviewing the remaining 73 IPPs and engaging in meaningful negotiations could significantly reduce electricity prices.

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The Form 47 rulers have failed to deliver basic services.