Hafiz Naeem Rejects Talks With PM Unless Petroleum Levy Removal Is on Agenda
LAHORE, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has said there is no reason to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unless the government is prepared to discuss abolishing the petroleum levy, warning that his party will continue its protest campaign if the demand is not addressed.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore on Saturday, October 10, Hafiz Naeem called on the prime minister to announce the removal of the levy, which is imposed on petroleum products and contributes to fuel prices paid by consumers.
He said that without a commitment to discuss the levy, a meeting with the prime minister would serve little purpose.
Jamaat-e-Islami Plans to Resume Islamabad Long March
The JI chief announced that the party would hold a meeting in two days before resuming its long march from Multan towards Islamabad.
He said protesters would advance towards the federal capital from multiple directions as part of a broader campaign against the petroleum levy.
Jamaat-e-Islami also plans to hold a public gathering in Okara on Sunday, October 11.
The announcements outline the party’s intended protest schedule. They do not establish that the next stage of the march has already begun.
Hafiz Naeem Challenges Government’s IMF Explanation
Hafiz Naeem criticised the government’s position on removing the petroleum levy, arguing that officials repeatedly make the issue conditional on approval from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
He disputed the suggestion that the levy could not be abolished without the lender’s consent.
His comments reflect Jamaat-e-Islami’s political position. The precise implications of removing the levy would depend on Pakistan’s fiscal commitments, budget arrangements and any applicable IMF programme conditions.
The party leader also criticised the government’s handling of poverty and questioned the effectiveness of public welfare spending.
He made allegations concerning funds allocated to the Benazir Income Support Programme, but did not present independently verified evidence during the reported remarks to substantiate those claims.
JI Leader Rejects Violence During Protests
Addressing the possibility of confrontation, Hafiz Naeem said his party did not intend to engage in violence or disorder.
He accused the government of seeking confrontation but maintained that Jamaat-e-Islami would pursue its demands through public mobilisation.
The planned demonstrations come amid wider public debate over fuel taxation, inflation and the financial burden facing households.
Opposition to Governor’s Rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Hafiz Naeem also expressed concern over discussions about emergency measures and possible governor’s rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said such measures would be unacceptable, criticising the political uncertainty surrounding the province.
His remarks were an objection to proposals under discussion, rather than confirmation that governor’s rule had been imposed.
Hafiz Naeem Calls for Imran Khan’s Release
The Jamaat-e-Islami chief also demanded the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and detained women associated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
He argued that political figures should not be imprisoned for political reasons and called for Khan’s immediate release.
Hafiz Naeem questioned the consistency of legal action against political leaders, although the merits of individual criminal cases remain matters for the courts.
Petroleum Levy Remains Central to JI Campaign
The statement places petroleum taxation at the centre of Jamaat-e-Islami’s latest campaign against the federal government.
With a public gathering planned in Okara and a further march expected from Multan, attention will turn to whether the government responds to the party’s demand and whether discussions with the prime minister take place.
No agreement to abolish the petroleum levy or confirmed meeting between Hafiz Naeem and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was announced in the reported remarks.
