PM Adviser Says Public Has Rejected Jamaat-e-Islami Protest Over Inflation and Petroleum Levy
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has criticised the ongoing Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) sit-in, saying the protest has become an embarrassment and will end on its own soon.
Speaking during a television programme on Tuesday, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader dismissed the JI demonstration and claimed that the public had not supported the protest.
He said the issues raised by Jamaat-e-Islami, including inflation and petroleum levy, are national concerns affecting millions of Pakistanis. However, he claimed that the party had failed to attract significant public participation.
Rana Sanaullah Claims JI Protest Failed to Gain Public Support
Rana Sanaullah said that people have rejected the Jamaat-e-Islami sit-in and questioned the level of public involvement in the demonstration.
He alleged that many JI workers continue their routine activities during the day and participate in the protest in the evening, suggesting that the sit-in has not created the impact expected by the party leadership.
“The issue on which Jamaat-e-Islami started the protest is the issue of the entire population,” he said, adding that despite this, the protest had not gained nationwide momentum.
The remarks came as JI’s sit-in continues in Lahore at Mall Road under the leadership of party chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman.
The party has also announced plans for additional night sit-ins in Islamabad and a wheel-jam strike on 13 Rabi-ul-Awwal as part of its protest campaign.
JI Demands Action on Inflation, Fuel Prices and Public Issues
Jamaat-e-Islami launched the protest campaign over rising inflation, increasing petroleum levy and economic pressures faced by ordinary citizens.
The party has been demanding relief measures from the government, including a reduction in taxes and fuel-related charges.
JI leadership has argued that rising prices of essential goods and energy costs have placed a heavy burden on households, particularly low and middle-income groups.
The government, however, has defended its economic policies and maintained that difficult decisions are necessary due to financial challenges and commitments with international institutions.
Rana Sanaullah Discusses PPP Reservations and Dialogue
During the programme, Rana Sanaullah also spoke about ongoing discussions with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) regarding its reservations over government matters.
He said PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had earlier expressed concerns but later cooperated with the government on important legislation.
Rana Sanaullah said PPP reservations would be addressed through dialogue and confirmed that he would continue discussions with the party leadership.
He said two meetings had already been held with PPP representatives, while another meeting was expected soon.
He mentioned PPP leaders including Nayyar Bukhari, Sherry Rehman, Qamar Zaman Kaira and Raja Pervez Ashraf as experienced politicians who understand the political situation.
New Provinces Debate Should Take Place in Parliament, Says Rana Sanaullah
Commenting on the issue of creating new provinces, Rana Sanaullah said the matter should be discussed through constitutional and parliamentary forums rather than through public statements and television debates.
He said there should be a proper political debate in parliament before taking any decision on administrative divisions.
Regarding Sindh, he said the majority population did not support dividing the province and rejected suggestions that the Pakistan Peoples Party was working on any plan to separate Karachi.
He warned that repeated discussions on sensitive issues through political speeches and talk shows could increase tensions.
“If the matter escalates, Bilawal Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari understand what they have to do,” he said, adding that political parties must remain connected with public concerns.
Praise for Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s Political Role
Rana Sanaullah also commented on Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, describing him as an experienced and sensible politician.
He said Maulana Fazlur Rehman does not engage in politics based on personal interests and has traditionally played a role in resolving political matters.
Rana Sanaullah said constructive political engagement was expected from senior political leaders during challenging times.
The government adviser’s remarks come amid increasing political activity, with opposition parties continuing protests and negotiations while the government attempts to manage economic and political challenges.
