Islamabad: Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has announced a major protest in Islamabad on May 15 against rising petrol prices, inflation, and the government’s economic policies. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the JI leader strongly criticized the federal government over increasing fuel prices, electricity bills, and the growing financial burden on the public.
Hafiz Naeem said inflation in Pakistan has reached alarming levels, making life difficult for ordinary citizens. He claimed that the government’s economic decisions and taxation policies are worsening the country’s financial crisis. According to him, Jamaat-e-Islami will launch a nationwide anti-inflation movement after Eid ul Adha, while the first major protest demonstration will take place in Islamabad on May 15.
The JI chief warned that if the government fails to provide relief to the public, the party could also announce a nationwide strike and wheel-jam protest. He added that rising fuel prices are directly affecting transportation costs, food prices, and electricity charges across Pakistan.
Speaking about the latest petroleum prices in Pakistan, Hafiz Naeem said the ex-refinery price of petrol is Rs271 per litre, while the remaining amount charged to consumers consists of taxes and petroleum levies. He accused the government of increasing petroleum taxes to fulfill International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions and meet revenue targets.
Hafiz Naeem also questioned why neighboring countries such as India and Bangladesh had not witnessed similar increases in fuel prices despite regional tensions affecting global oil markets. He argued that the burden of economic instability is being unfairly shifted onto Pakistani citizens.
The Jamaat-e-Islami chief further criticized fixed charges on electricity and gas bills. He claimed that the government collected nearly Rs1.9 trillion in electricity-related taxes over the past three years. Discussing Independent Power Producers (IPPs), he alleged that agreements with only 15 out of 100 IPPs had been renegotiated, while other contracts continued to benefit corrupt interests.
Recently, the government increased petrol and diesel prices for the fourth consecutive time. Petrol prices rose by Rs14.92 per litre to Rs414.78, while high-speed diesel increased by Rs15 per litre to Rs414.58.
