LAHORE: Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, chief of Jamaat-e-Islami, has called on the government to immediately reverse the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices, warning of nationwide protests if the decision is not withdrawn.
Read More: JI announces countrywide protest against spike in petroleum prices
Addressing a large rally in Lahore, the JI leader strongly criticised the hike, describing it as unjustified and burdensome for the public already struggling with inflation. He rejected the government’s rationale of linking the increase to regional developments, saying the move unfairly shifts economic pressure onto ordinary citizens.
“We will not accept such a massive increase,” he said, adding that authorities fail to pass on relief when international oil prices decline but are quick to raise prices when conditions tighten.
Unjustified and oppressive fuel price hikes are a blatant act by the government to further crush the common man.
Instead of reducing taxes and levies, the common Pakistani, including students, laborers, and daily wage earners, are once again burdened. We condemn, reject, and… pic.twitter.com/310SvOd7lW
— Jamaat e Islami Pakistan (@JIPOfficial) April 3, 2026
Hafiz Naeem demanded the abolition of the Rs160 per litre levy on petroleum products, along with a broader reduction in taxes, urging the government to cut fuel prices by at least 50 percent. He also called for the termination of agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), which he termed “unjust” and financially draining for the country.
Criticising the administration led by Shehbaz Sharif, he accused the government of prioritising luxury spending over public welfare. He pointed to expenditures on official protocols and high-value purchases, claiming these reflect misplaced priorities amid rising living costs.
The JI chief warned that if the government does not roll back the fuel price hike, the party will launch a countrywide “wheel-jam” strike and organise marches toward chief minister houses across provinces.
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The protest reflects growing public discontent over inflation and energy costs, with political pressure mounting on the government to provide relief.