‘Patience has run out’: JI warns government

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has warned the government of expanding protests across the country if the petroleum levy is not withdrawn.

Speaking at a press conference at the party’s ongoing protest camp outside the Punjab chief minister’s residence in Lahore on Tuesday, the JI chief said the demonstrations had entered their 10th day.

He said public patience had reached its limit and demanded immediate relief from rising fuel prices and taxes. Rehman warned that the party could announce a nationwide strike, block roads and march towards Islamabad if the government failed to meet its demands.

The JI leader said the date for a nationwide shutdown would be announced on 13th Rabi-ul-Awwal. He added that demonstrations would continue during Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ.

According to Rehman, the JI had mobilised supporters in all four provinces. He said the protest movement would be expanded if the government continued to ignore public concerns.

He criticised the petroleum levy and other fuel-related taxes, saying ordinary citizens were struggling to cope with increasing living costs. He particularly highlighted the difficulties faced by commuters, students, workers and motorcyclists.

Rehman also demanded that the price of roti be reduced to Rs10.

The JI emir accused the government of placing the burden of economic difficulties on the public. He argued that fuel price increases had added to the financial pressure on households while the government had failed to provide sufficient relief.

He also raised concerns about alleged irregularities in coal imported for independent power producers (IPPs). Rehman called for a forensic audit and an independent investigation into coal-related transactions.

He claimed that consumers were being made to pay for expensive fuel, electricity that was not produced and costly arrangements involving IPPs. He said the public should not be forced to bear the financial consequences of alleged mismanagement.

Rehman recalled the JI’s earlier campaign against IPPs and claimed that public pressure had helped reduce electricity prices by around Rs10 per unit.

The JI chief said his party was prepared to intensify its campaign if the government failed to respond. He described a nationwide shutdown, road blockades and a march on Islamabad as possible next steps.

“Do not test our resolve,” he warned.

Rehman also criticised the political system and questioned the performance of the ruling coalition. He alleged that governments without genuine public support remained unable to address the problems faced by ordinary citizens.

He criticised the PPP’s governance in Sindh and raised concerns about what he called political families dominating Punjab. He also questioned the continued delay in holding local government elections.

Regarding the Punjab government, the JI leader said its major announcements could not hide failures in dealing with basic public problems.

Rehman maintained that the JI’s campaign was aimed at securing relief for the people rather than serving any personal or political interest. He invited the government’s negotiating team to visit the protest camp and clearly explain when the petroleum levy would be abolished.

He said the JI would not travel to Islamabad simply to attend another briefing without concrete assurances.

The JI emir also commented on a recent incident involving a security official at Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology in Islamabad. He demanded a transparent, merit-based investigation and said legal action should be taken against anyone found responsible, regardless of their position.