Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has warned that his party will march towards Islamabad in mid-November if the government fails to abolish the petroleum levy and provide meaningful relief to the public. The announcement comes amid continuing disagreements between the party and the federal government over fuel taxes and rising living costs.
JI Demands Complete Abolition of Petroleum Levy
Speaking to the media in Lahore on October 26, Hafiz Naeem said JI would continue its campaign until the government accepted its demand for the complete removal of the petroleum levy. He indicated that the proposed march would proceed if the authorities failed to take practical steps to ease the financial burden on consumers.
The JI chief said government representatives had contacted the party’s negotiating committee again. However, he stressed that talks must produce concrete measures rather than merely serve as a formal meeting.
JI has argued that petroleum taxes significantly increase fuel costs and place additional pressure on households, businesses and transport operators. The party has repeatedly called for the government to withdraw the levy instead of relying on limited relief measures.
JI Says Existing Relief Measures Are Insufficient
The government previously introduced a fuel-relief scheme for eligible motorcycle, three-wheeler and small-car owners. However, Hafiz Naeem has maintained that the initiative does not adequately address the broader impact of higher fuel prices and rising transportation and commodity costs.
According to the party, relief should extend beyond selected vehicle owners and help ordinary citizens facing increased household expenses. JI has also called for steps to reduce the cost burden associated with petroleum products.
The party says its campaign will continue until the government takes measures that meet its demands.
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Political Dispute and Earlier Protests
JI’s campaign against the petroleum levy has continued for several months, with demonstrations and sit-ins organised in different parts of Pakistan. In September, the party suspended its earlier march towards Islamabad after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif requested time for negotiations.
The two sides have discussed possible measures to reduce the levy, but the dispute remains unresolved. JI has continued to insist that the government must fully abolish the levy to secure the party’s agreement.
The proposed mid-November march could increase pressure on the federal government as both sides consider further talks. Whether the demonstration proceeds will depend on the progress made towards meeting JI’s demands.
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