Lahore: Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Emir Engineer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has condemned the recent increase in petroleum prices, calling it a cruel and anti-poor move that will further burden the already struggling masses.In a post on social media platform X, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman criticized the government for raising the price of diesel by Rs.10.39 per litre and petrol by Rs.8.36 per litre. 'This unjustified hike is yet another extension of the elite-favoring, landlord-protecting, and people-crushing policies of the ruling class,' he stated. He pointed out that when global oil prices were declining, the government refused to pass on the relief to the people. 'Now, at the slightest fluctuation in the international market, the full weight of the burden has been shifted onto the public,' he said.The JI chief also rejected the government's narrative of economic growth, calling official figures and promotional campaigns a complete fabrication. 'These numbers are a lie. There is no development-only inflation, unempl oyment, and economic exploitation,' he said. Jamaat-e-Islami firmly rejects the latest petroleum price hike and demands an immediate reversal, he said and urged the government to reduce fuel prices and abolish the oppressive petroleum levy without delay.