Police block JI rally from staging sit-in outside Governor House in Karachi

Protesters in Karachi staged a sit-in on Sunday after police blocked their planned demonstration outside Governor House. The Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) party workers gathered to protest the "excessive petroleum levy" and demand lower petrol prices.

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If the government chooses the path of violence and force, it will be responsible for the consequences.

Despite marching towards Governor House from near Masjid Khizra, protesters encountered roadblocks set up by police and administration. Altercations erupted as JI workers attempted to push past barricades, but police prevented them from reaching their intended destination. The demonstration eventually settled into a sit-in on Aiwan-i-Saddar Road near the Karachi Press Club roundabout.

The protest, held as part of the JI's nationwide demonstrations, saw participants carrying placards and chanting slogans. JI Karachi chief Monem Zafar addressed the crowd, warning the Sindh government and police against using force. He insisted the sit-in would continue and demanded the withdrawal of the "heavy levy" imposed on petroleum. Zafar also called for an end to practices related to independent power producers, stating that high petrol prices negatively impact all citizens and economic sectors, with young people and students bearing a significant burden.

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The heavy levy imposed in the name of petroleum levy must be withdrawn at all costs.

Similar protests were reported in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab, with JI Pakistan chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman calling for the demonstrations. Zafar claimed the JI's sit-in represented the voice of every young person, student, and citizen affected by the rising fuel costs.

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The JI’s sit-in is the voice of every young person, student and citizen.