Rawalpindi:On the appeal of Emir Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Engineer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, protest demonstrations were held across various districts of northern Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Jhelum, Talagang, Khushab, Sargodha, Chakwal, and Bhakkar, against rising inflation and the sharp increase in petroleum prices. The demonstrations were organized by Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, with participants carrying banners and placards criticizing the government's economic policies and rising fuel costs. Dr. Tariq Saleem, Iqbal Khan, and other provincial and district leaders addressed the gatherings.
Addressing a protest demonstration in Murree, Dr. Tariq Saleem said that the rulers have made life unbearable for the poor by imposing multiple taxes on petroleum products and electricity bills. He claimed that nearly Rs. 19 trillion had been collected from the public over the past three years and termed the petroleum levy 'an open injustice and oppression against the people.' He stated that the government is currently collecting around Rs. 117 per liter as petroleum levy, while additional taxes increase the total burden to nearly Rs. 150 per liter, which he said amounts to almost 60 percent of the actual price of petrol.
Dr. Tariq Saleem warned that if the government fails to reduce fuel prices and abolish the petroleum levy, Jamaat-e-Islami will consider launching a nationwide wheel-jam and shutter-down strike on the instructions of Hafiz Naeemur Rehman. Criticizing the ruling parties, he alleged that Pakistan Muslim League (N) and Pakistan People's Party have failed to address the public's problems despite controlling national resources. He further claimed that corruption and incompetence have worsened the country's economic conditions. Dr. Tariq Saleem highlighted that millions of middle-class citizens, laborers, students, and motorcycle riders are directly affected by rising fuel prices. He said that if even 10 million out of the country's estimated 25 million motorcyclists consume one liter of petrol daily, they collectively pay hundreds of billions of rupees annually in taxes to the government. He emphasized that Jamaat-e-Islami will continue to raise its voice against what it considers economic injustice and urged citi zens to unite peacefully for their rights.
Addressing a separate protest demonstration in Chakwal, Iqbal Khan said that the public is deeply frustrated due to rising petroleum prices and heavy levies, and that people are prepared to intensify protests against the government's policies.
He remarked that at a time of regional tensions and economic uncertainty, instead of providing relief or subsidies to citizens, the government has increased the financial burden on the common man. He criticized the government for justifying the petroleum levy under IMF conditions, while ignoring IMF recommendations to reduce the luxuries and privileges of the ruling elite. Iqbal Khan questioned why the rulers continue to burden ordinary citizens rather than cut their own expenditures and official privileges, adding that the current economic policies are increasing public hardship across the country.