Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has announced nationwide protests and sit-ins on Friday, July 10, against what he described as the government’s “extortionary” petroleum levy.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, the JI chief said the petroleum levy had become an unbearable burden for ordinary Pakistanis. Therefore, he called on people across the country, especially the youth, to participate in the planned demonstrations.
JI criticizes petroleum levy
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman claimed the government was collecting Rs118 per litre in taxes and levies on petrol.
He alleged, “Nearly Rs8.5 trillion has been collected through the levy to meet revenue targets rather than improving petroleum infrastructure.”
According to him, the levy has placed additional financial pressure on consumers without delivering meaningful improvements to the country’s petroleum sector.
Climate Support Levy also comes under criticism
The JI chief also criticized the Climate Support Levy. He claimed that nearly Rs60 billion had been collected under the levy without being spent on environmental protection or climate-related projects.
Under IMF-related measures, the government increased the Climate Support Levy to Rs5 per litre from July 1. At the same time, it reduced the petroleum levy.
As a result, the petroleum levy on diesel currently stands at about Rs80 per litre.
Meanwhile, the petroleum levy on petrol is about Rs70 per litre, in addition to the Rs5 Climate Support Levy.
Concerns raised over energy prices
During the press conference, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman also criticized rising energy costs.
He said, “Gas prices have been increased despite the discovery of new reserves.”
He further claimed that the absence of major international companies in the latest energy exploration bidding round reflected government incompetence.
In addition, he said liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), officially priced at Rs241 per kilogram, was being sold for as much as Rs500 per kilogram. According to him, electricity, fuel, and food prices have also continued to increase.
JI demands lower petrol prices
While announcing the nationwide protests, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman demanded a reduction in petrol prices. He said, “Petrol should cost no more than Rs225 per litre.”
He urged citizens to participate in Friday’s demonstrations against the petroleum levy.
Calls for action on regional issues
The JI chief also urged the government to raise India’s actions regarding Pakistan’s waters at international forums.
Additionally, he called for the immediate start of work on the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline. He also urged the government to launch formal trade with Iran. Furthermore, he called for dialogue to resolve the ongoing situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
Speaking about the issue, he said, “The JI is playing a mediatory role and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) is ready for negotiations.” He added, “the ball is now in the government’s court.” According to him, disputes should not continue from one generation to another.
Remarks on diplomacy and law enforcement
During the media briefing, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman also referred to past remarks by US President Donald Trump regarding mediation on Kashmir and water disputes.
He said Pakistan should remind the US president of those commitments while using its diplomatic role in facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States.
The JI chief also commented on the alleged kidnapping and rape of foreign women in Lahore. Describing the incident as deeply shameful, he demanded an open court trial. He said, “Justice must not only be done but also be seen to be done, regardless of the accused’s influence.”
Condolences over Kahna tragedy
Expressing grief over the recent roof-collapse incident in Kahna, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman urged the Punjab government not to use the tragedy as a reason to take action against tuition centres.
