ISLAMABAD: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman postponed the party’s long march. He announced this development following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s request to defer long march.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif contacted the JI emir by telephone when the party’s train march reached Multan. Speaking at a news conference in Multan on Tuesday, Hafiz Naeem said the party wanted to give the government an opportunity to address public concerns.
He said the JI would hold talks with the prime minister on measures aimed at providing relief to citizens. Hafiz Naeem added that the party’s caravans would remain at their current locations until his meeting with Shehbaz Sharif. He stressed that the JI had not withdrawn its protest and would continue its campaign over its demands.
Talks planned over petroleum levy
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was ready to hold meaningful talks with the JI over the petroleum levy after returning to Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Hafiz Naeem told the premier that his party did not want confrontation or law and order problems.
However, he maintained that the JI had taken to the streets to highlight public concerns and expected the government to respect its right to protest. The JI emir said the party would consult its Shura before responding to the request for postponement. He also made clear that delaying the march would not mean abandoning the party’s right to protest. The JI’s train march against the petroleum levy reached Multan late Monday night.
Despite a four-hour delay, supporters gathered at the railway station to welcome the march and listen to Hafiz Naeem. The JI leader reiterated his demand for withdrawal of the petroleum levy, which the party calls an unfair burden on citizens. He said the party was raising concerns affecting poor and middle-class families.
According to Hafiz Naeem, political parties had not adequately addressed issues facing ordinary citizens, prompting the JI to continue its campaign for public relief.
For the latest updates, visit and follow The Truth International website (www.thetruthinternational.com), subscribe to the YouTube channel, and follow the Instagram and Facebook pages.
