Hafiz Naeem slams petroleum levy, announces Islamabad protest

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has criticised the government’s petroleum levy, claiming that the levy has no direct connection with petrol prices and is being used under what he described as a “mafia system” to benefit a select group of people.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Hafiz Naeem said the petroleum levy had effectively become an additional burden on the public. He claimed that people had started referring to the levy as a “bhatta tax”, alleging that ordinary citizens were being subjected to injustice for the benefit of a few individuals.

The JI chief also announced that his party would stage a major demonstration in Islamabad on September 20, saying participants would arrive in the capital from different directions.

Hafiz Naeem said Jamaat-e-Islami’s sit-ins were continuing across the country as part of its campaign against rising prices and economic pressures on the public. According to him, protests are currently being held in 36 cities.

He said he was travelling to Timergara, where a large sit-in was under way, adding that public participation in the demonstrations was increasing with each passing day.

The JI leader maintained that the growing number of participants reflected increasing public frustration over economic policies and the rising cost of living. He said his party would continue its protests and mobilise people until their demands were addressed.

Hafiz Naeem’s remarks come amid continued debate over fuel prices, petroleum levies and the financial burden faced by consumers, with Jamaat-e-Islami seeking greater relief for the public and opposing measures it believes disproportionately affect ordinary citizens.