JI launches countrywide protests against inflation

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) is holding nationwide demonstrations on Friday against the petroleum levy, rising fuel prices and inflation.

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) is holding nationwide demonstrations on Friday against the petroleum levy, rising fuel prices and inflation.

The party has announced protests and sit-ins in major cities and districts across the country. Demonstrations are scheduled to begin at 4pm.

According to the party, protests will be held along hundreds of major roads and highways in around 170 districts. Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta, Peshawar, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi are among the cities where demonstrations have been planned.

Several major locations have also been selected for sit-ins. These include Qurtaba Chowk in Lahore, Stop No. 26 in Islamabad, Mian Ghundi Chowk in Quetta and the Toll Plaza in Peshawar.

Other protest points include Bosan Road in Multan, the Indus Highway in Karak, CPEC Chowk in Bannu and the Chakdara interchange.

JI leaders have warned that the protest campaign could be expanded if authorities attempt to prevent the demonstrations. The party said the number of roads and highways involved could increase significantly.

In Karachi, JI leaders said protest caravans would begin moving from several locations at 4pm. These include Shahrah-e-Pakistan, Hub Road, National Highway, Super Highway, Orangi, Korangi, Pakistan Chowk and Sher Shah.

The caravans are expected to gather at Mazar-e-Quaid before moving towards Shahrah-e-Faisal.

Karachi JI chief Monem Zafar Khan said the demonstrations would continue until the petroleum levy was withdrawn. He said roads along some protest routes could remain closed during the demonstrations.

He added that emergency vehicles, including ambulances, would be allowed to pass.

JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman had called for the nationwide action a day earlier. In a video message, he urged citizens to join the peaceful demonstrations and asked motorists to park their cars and motorcycles on roads at 4pm.

The JI leadership has criticised the government over fuel-related taxes and the rising cost of essential goods. The party says ordinary citizens are facing increasing financial pressure because of higher fuel prices and indirect taxation.

Hafiz Naeem also claimed that prices of several food items had increased over the past month. He said motorcycle users and other low-income citizens were particularly affected by higher fuel costs.

The JI chief argued that people who do not fall within the formal income-tax system are also paying taxes through fuel levies and other indirect charges.

He claimed the government collected around Rs1.9 trillion through the petroleum levy during the past year. The party has warned that further taxation could increase the burden on households if the government does not reconsider its policies.

JI leaders are calling on citizens to participate in the protests and press the government to withdraw the petroleum levy