PM Shehbaz asks Hafiz Naeem to delay long march

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has contacted Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman and requested him to postpone the party’s long march against the petroleum levy.

According to a JI spokesperson, Prime Minister Shehbaz called Hafiz Naeem after the JI leader reached Multan. During the telephone conversation, the premier requested that the planned march be postponed.

Hafiz Naeem told the prime minister that the Jamaat-e-Islami did not want to create any law and order situation or engage in a confrontation with the government.

However, he maintained that the party had taken to the streets to raise issues concerning the rights of the public. He said the government would have to recognise and address these demands.

The JI spokesperson said that even if the party agreed to postpone the march following the government’s request, it would not give up its constitutional and democratic right to protest.

The spokesperson added that Hafiz Naeem would consult the party’s Shura before responding to the prime minister’s request. The final decision regarding postponement of the march will be taken after consultations within the party.

The development comes as JI’s “Super Train” long march against the petroleum levy has reached Multan. The party has been organising the protest to press the government to withdraw the petroleum levy and provide relief to the public.

The government and JI have previously held talks on the issue, but the party has continued its protest campaign, demanding action on the petroleum levy and other public concerns.