LAHORE (Dunya News) - Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has announced a nationwide strike on September 3 against the petroleum levy, warning that the party could march on Islamabad if the government fails to provide relief to the public.
Addressing participants at the JI sit-in outside the Punjab chief minister’s residence in Lahore, Rehman criticised the government over what he described as poor governance and increasing financial pressure on the people.
He said the party’s protest campaign had expanded beyond three cities, with demonstrations and sit-ins now being held in different parts of the country.
The JI chief called on party workers and supporters to intensify their campaign and urged traders to participate in the September 3 strike, saying it was aimed at protecting public rights.
Rehman said the strike would remain peaceful and warned the government that the demands of the people would have to be addressed.
He said the JI’s movement was focused on several issues, including the petroleum levy, agreements with independent power producers (IPPs) and what he termed the flour mafia.
The JI leader demanded the withdrawal of the petroleum levy and an end to what he described as unfair IPP agreements. He also called for reductions in electricity and petrol prices for traders.
Rehman said the party’s earlier protests had resulted in relief in electricity prices and urged the government to provide similar relief on petroleum products.
He also criticised the government over the Pims tragedy, blaming alleged administrative failures and negligence for the deaths of children.
Questioning the safety arrangements at Pims, Rehman asked whether doctors and paramedical staff had received adequate training to respond to emergencies and disasters. He also called for a stronger disaster-response training system across the country.
The JI chief questioned the decision by Pims to form a separate committee to investigate the incident after the prime minister had already constituted an inquiry panel. He demanded a comprehensive investigation, saying the issue should not be settled merely by suspending one official.
Rehman said the ongoing sit-in and protest campaign were aimed at securing the rights of Pakistan’s citizens. He maintained that the state was responsible for providing basic rights and services but successive governments had instead increased the burden of taxation on the public.