LAHORE: The `JI dharna petrol price hike` protest at Mall Road Lahore entered another day on Sunday, even as the federal government increased petrol prices multiple times since the sit-in started under the daily price adjustment mechanism
Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman said the repeated hikes have proven the party’s stance that the government is dropping “petrol bombs” on the people even in war-like situations.
Govt Officials Enjoy Luxury Vehicles Amid JI Dharna Petrol Price Hike
Addressing the participants of the sit-in and talking to the media at Mall Road, Hafiz Naeem said government officials are driving big vehicles with the public’s money while the masses are facing severe inflation and economic difficulties.
He said that yesterday, women participants expressed their complete distrust against government policies.
The JI chief alleged that mafias imported 765,000 tons of sugar in collaboration with the government, and said people’s resources should not be used for the interests of the elite.
“The country cannot progress in the presence of the sugar, oil and flour mafia,” he said, urging the people to come out and be part of the JI struggle.
Hafiz Naeem Announces Nationwide Shutter-Down Over Petrol Levy
Highlighting the core demand of the protest, Hafiz Naeem said the sit-in was launched against the petroleum levy, but since it began, the federal government has increased petrol prices several times due to the daily price mechanism being in effect, further burdening the public.
He said the movement will continue and warned that JI will observe a nationwide shutter-down strike after 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal on the issue of petroleum levy and will block roads throughout the country.
“The government will no longer be able to bear the pressure of the people,” he said.
Dharna Will End Only on Practical Acceptance of Demands
Hafiz Naeem said negotiations with the government will no longer be held in the old manner where the government asks to end the sit-in and assures that demands will be met.
“The sit-in will end only when the government practically accepts the demands of Jamaat-e-Islami,” he said, adding that the sit-in in Lahore is going on as per schedule.
Those Involved in Regime Change Should Apologize
In a significant political statement, the JI chief said those who were involved in regime change in collaboration with the forces should apologize to the nation.
He further said the government should have fully implemented the court’s decision on the matter of the founder of PTI and all issues regarding the health of the founder of PTI should be resolved.
