KARACHI (Dunya News) - Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has vowed to continue the party’s protest until the government withdraws the petroleum levy.
Addressing participants of the sit-in in Karachi, Hafiz Naeem said the government would have to reverse its decision on the levy, warning that the protest movement could intensify if the demand was not accepted.
He accused a “certain group” of exploiting the country and said the rulers would not be able to withstand public pressure if the youth came out in large numbers. He warned that the movement could eventually surround the government if the petroleum levy and what he described as “extortion” were not abolished.
The JI chief also announced plans for a historic rally, saying a major gathering would be held in Lahore, followed by rallies in Mardan and Peshawar. He said he would subsequently return to Islamabad.
Commenting on reports of a government-imposed lockdown, Hafiz Naeem said the JI would not allow it to continue under any circumstances. He urged the government to reduce its expenditures and privileges instead of placing additional financial burdens on the public.
He added that he would also hold meetings with traders’ organisations to discuss the issues facing the business community.
Hafiz Naeem further called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take steps to eliminate the interest-based financial system, arguing that interest was damaging the national economy. He said abolishing interest would boost economic activity and help industries operate more effectively.
He warned that any movement against the interest-based system could create further difficulties for the government.
The JI emir also criticised other political parties, accusing them of being associated with various “mafias” involving flour, sugar and independent power producers (IPPs). He claimed that Jamaat-e-Islami was the only political party consistently raising issues affecting the public.