Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has claimed that the party’s nationwide protest campaign played a role in pushing the government towards measures aimed at reducing the burden of high petrol prices.
Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, he said petrol could have reached Rs. 500 to Rs. 600 per litre if the party had not launched its protests. This was presented as his assessment of what could have happened without the pressure created by the campaign.
According to Rehman, JI organised sit-ins in 42 cities as part of its campaign against the petroleum levy and high electricity prices. He said the protests eventually brought the government to the negotiating table and resulted in relief measures that officials say are benefiting around 5.9 million to six million people.
The JI leader said the party’s long march was paused after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif requested more time for talks. However, he made it clear that the wider protest campaign had not ended. Recent reports have also indicated that JI plans to continue rallies and keep the option of resuming its long march open if its demands are not addressed.
The party is calling for the removal of the petroleum levy and lower electricity prices. Rehman has repeatedly argued that reducing taxes and government expenses could create room for further relief for consumers.
The government and JI have held discussions over the petroleum levy, while the party continues to press for permanent reductions rather than temporary relief measures.
