KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan has announced a nationwide protest campaign against the federal government's petroleum levy, with road blockades planned across the country on Friday, August 7, 2026.
The demonstrations are scheduled to begin at 4:00 pm and are expected to affect traffic in major cities, including Karachi.
Addressing the media, JI Ameer Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman said the party would stage protests and block roads at 507 locations across Pakistan to voice opposition to what it described as the government's excessive taxation on petroleum products. He added that one of Karachi’s busiest arteries, Shahrah-e-Faisal, would also be closed during the demonstration.
The Jamaat-e-Islami chief strongly criticized the petroleum levy, calling it an unjust financial burden on the people. According to Hafiz Naeem, the tax has significantly increased the prices of essential commodities by raising transportation and production costs, making life more difficult for millions of Pakistanis already struggling with inflation.
He alleged that the government had failed to provide meaningful relief despite collecting massive revenue through the petroleum levy. Hafiz Naeem claimed that approximately Rs. 8 trillion had been collected under the levy, arguing that the amount represented an unfair burden on ordinary citizens and businesses.
The JI leader further accused the government of continuing unnecessary expenditures while imposing additional financial pressure on the public. He maintained that instead of introducing policies to reduce inflation and improve living standards, authorities were relying on fuel taxes that directly impacted household budgets.
Hafiz Naeem also warned authorities against attempting to stop or disrupt the planned demonstrations. He urged the government to "act wisely" and allow peaceful protests to proceed without interference, emphasizing that citizens have the democratic right to express their concerns over economic policies.
During his remarks, the Jamaat-e-Islami chief said debates over creating new provinces or changing the country's political structure were not addressing the pressing economic issues faced by the public. He stressed that the government's immediate priority should be controlling inflation, reducing fuel prices, and easing the financial burden on citizens.
The nationwide protest is expected to cause traffic disruptions in several major cities as thousands of party workers and supporters participate in demonstrations. Motorists have been advised to plan alternate routes, particularly in Karachi, where Shahrah-e-Faisal is expected to witness significant disruptions.
The planned protests highlight growing public concern over rising fuel costs and the wider impact of petroleum taxes on Pakistan's economy, with Jamaat-e-Islami demanding immediate relief measures for consumers.
