Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has announced a long march towards Islamabad on September 20.
The party will protest against levies and other taxes contributing to higher oil prices across the country.
Hafiz Naeem made the announcement while addressing JI workers in Gujranwala on Friday night. He said the federal government had repeatedly sought more time from the JI team.
According to the JI emir, the government told the party that it could not reduce petrol prices.
JI plans march towards Islamabad
Hafiz Naeem said millions of people would join the march towards the capital. He warned the government against delaying action on the party’s demands.
He said, “if the levy and extortion are not abolished, the issue will be decided on the streets of Islamabad.”
The JI chief also announced plans to enter the capital from multiple directions. He said, “We will enter Islamabad from all directions. We have stepped out for the rights of the 250 million people”.
The party’s planned protest comes amid its opposition to levies and taxes imposed on petroleum products.
Hafiz Naeem criticises government over petrol prices
The JI emir questioned the government’s explanation that global market conditions had pushed petrol prices higher.
He said, “You claim that petrol prices have risen due to the global market, then tell the people why you ae imposing levy and other taxes.
Hafiz Naeem argued that the government could remove the burden of the levy by slightly reducing interest rates.
He also accused those in power of failing to confront the banking, sugar, flour and IPP mafias.
Furthermore, he urged the government to consider the party’s demands before the planned march.
JI raises concerns over Punjab
During his address, Hafiz Naeem also criticised the PML-N-led sugar mills and the Punjab government.
He claimed that factory workers had no rights in PML-N-led sugar mills. He also accused Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz of continuing to exploit women.
The JI chief said 6,500 cases of sexual assault against women had been reported in Punjab.
He further alleged that Maryam Nawaz was living a luxurious life in London at public expense. Therefore, he challenged the chief minister to disclose the complete expenses of her London trip.
JI chief questions political leadership
Hafiz Naeem also accused Maryam Nawaz, her uncle and her father of exploiting poor people.
He claimed their tax returns and declarations showed incomes lower than those of ordinary businesspeople.
The JI emir also questioned the government over its interest-rate policies and the collection of levies.
He asked whether “the Establishment telling you not to reduce interest rates but to collect levies and extortion?”
September 20 march becomes JI’s next major demand
Hafiz Naeem warned the government that it would face greater pressure if it failed to address the party’s demands.
He said the government should act against the financial burden created by levies and other taxes.
Meanwhile, the JI has set September 20 as the date for its long march towards Islamabad. The party says the protest will focus on the rights of citizens and opposition to oil levies and taxes.
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