Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has announced the launch of a nationwide movement against inflation, with plans to block major highways across Pakistan on August 7. The party says the protest is aimed at opposing rising fuel prices, petroleum levies, and what it describes as excessive taxation on the public.
Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman criticized the government’s taxation policies, particularly the petroleum levy. He questioned the justification for the levy, arguing that it places an additional financial burden on ordinary citizens.
Hafiz Naeem claimed that the government was imposing what he described as an unjust levy on fuel and accused authorities of collecting billions of rupees through petroleum-related taxes. He said these measures were increasing the cost of living at a time when many households were already struggling with inflation.
The JI leader also alleged that the current taxation system unfairly affects people from all income groups. He said the party would launch a public awareness campaign to explain how government policies, in its view, are impacting citizens and the national economy.
According to Hafiz Naeem, Jamaat-e-Islami will reach out to political parties, civil society groups, and other stakeholders in an effort to build a united front against rising inflation and fuel-related taxes.
Announcing the next phase of the campaign, he said the party plans to block highways across the country on August 7 as part of its protest. He added that emergency vehicles, including ambulances, would be allowed to pass during the demonstrations.
