Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman says the party will march on Islamabad if the government fails to abolish the petroleum levy or provide meaningful relief to consumers.
LAHORE, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has warned that his party will launch a march towards Islamabad in mid-November if the federal government fails to abolish the petroleum levy or provide meaningful relief to the public.
Speaking at a press conference at the party’s Mansoorah headquarters in Lahore on October 26, Rehman said JI had exercised restraint while waiting for the government to address its demands. He indicated that the party would adopt a tougher approach if negotiations failed to produce concrete results.
The warning comes amid an ongoing dispute between JI and the federal government over fuel taxation and the rising cost of living.
JI demands abolition of petroleum levy
Rehman said the party wanted the government to withdraw the petroleum levy, which he argued was adding to the financial burden on consumers.
According to figures reported on October 26, JI has cited a levy of Rs114 per litre on petrol and Rs100 per litre on diesel.
The party has maintained that reducing or removing the levy would provide broader relief to households, commuters and businesses facing higher transportation and living costs.
Rehman also rejected the government’s argument that limited fiscal space prevented it from abolishing the levy. He argued that the government could explore alternative measures to provide relief without placing the burden on ordinary consumers. These are JI’s stated positions and have not been established as an agreed government policy.
Meeting with prime minister expected
The JI chief said government representatives had contacted the party’s leadership regarding further negotiations. A meeting between Rehman and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was expected within the following days to discuss the dispute.
However, Rehman indicated that talks must result in tangible measures rather than simply another meeting. He warned that the party would reconsider further engagement if the government failed to address its central demand.
The outcome of the expected meeting could determine whether the party proceeds with its planned march.
JI criticises existing fuel relief package
Rehman also criticised the government’s existing fuel relief scheme, saying it did not adequately cover all consumers affected by rising fuel costs.
The scheme announced in September was intended to provide targeted assistance to eligible motorcycle, three-wheeler and small-car owners. Under the reported arrangements, eligible two- and three-wheeler users could receive relief of Rs100 per litre on a monthly quota of 20 litres, while eligible owners of vehicles up to 800cc could receive the same relief on 30 litres per month.
JI has argued that the measures leave many other motorists and public transport users without comparable assistance. Rehman also said higher diesel costs were contributing to pressure on grocery prices and other essential goods.
Preparations for November march
According to Dawn’s October 27 report, JI plans to complete its district-level elections by November 1 before beginning preparations for the proposed Islamabad march.
The party previously launched a long march towards the capital in September but postponed it following a request from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to allow further negotiations.
JI subsequently maintained its demand for the withdrawal of the levy and warned that it would resume its protest if the government failed to deliver relief.
Government response remains important
The dispute places renewed focus on the government’s approach to fuel taxation, revenue collection and targeted financial assistance.
JI has said it will continue pressing for the abolition of the levy, while the planned meeting with the prime minister offers a further opportunity for negotiations.
