KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has rejected the government’s recent petrol relief package as insufficient, saying it was introduced due to public pressure. He announced that the party would unveil the next phase of its protest campaign for the complete abolition of the petroleum levy after October 7.
Addressing a press conference, Hafiz Naeem said JI had postponed its march on September 21 following the Prime Minister’s appeal and an assurance that a meeting with the party leadership would be held. However, despite the Prime Minister’s return to the country, the promised meeting has yet to take place.
He said the current relief package would not adequately address the concerns of millions of motorcycle riders and other affected citizens. According to him, the only lasting solution to rising inflation is the complete abolition of the petroleum levy.
Hafiz Naeem also questioned the silence of other political parties over additional taxes and the growing burden on the public. He said the country could no longer afford separate systems for the elite and ordinary citizens.
Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) has also announced anti-government political activity. According to the party, a Mufti Mahmood Conference will be held in Multan on October 15, where Maulana Fazlur Rehman and other central and provincial leaders will address the gathering.
JUI-F spokesperson Aslam Ghauri said the conference would highlight inflation, lawlessness, unemployment and other public issues. He added that Maulana Fazlur Rehman would announce the next phase of the party’s protest movement.
