JI Vows to March on Islamabad: No More Delay on Fuel Levy Abolition

In a stirring declaration from Lahore, the Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) has issued a powerful ultimatum to the government: abolish the oppressive petroleum levy or face a resurgent long march on Islamabad. Speaking with the fervor of a nation's conscience, JI chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman made it unequivocally clear that the party's patience has limits and that the will of the people cannot be held hostage by political maneuvering.

What is the JI demanding from the government?

The JI is demanding the immediate withdrawal of the petroleum levy, which currently burdens the common citizen with Rs114 per litre in taxes on petrol and Rs100 per litre on diesel. The party argues that this heavy taxation is crushing the spirit of the Pakistani people, who are already struggling under the weight of economic hardship. The demand is not merely political; it is a call for justice and relief for the masses.

Why did the JI postpone its march to Islamabad?

The march, which began on September 21, was postponed just one day later at the request of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who sought time for a meeting. However, the Prime Minister departed for the United Nations General Assembly and, upon his return this week, has yet to honor that commitment. This delay has ignited the fire of resolve within the JI, which now warns that any further stalling will be met with an even greater mobilization.

What are the JI's plans if the levy is not abolished?

Addressing a press conference at the party's Mansoorah headquarters, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman declared:

“The prime minister may or may not talk to us. We are only concerned with relief for the people through the withdrawal of around Rs135 per litre petroleum levy and other taxes.”

He warned that the long march would resume with full force from Multan, with caravans converging on Islamabad from all corners of the nation. The party is also intensifying its campaign, holding public meetings and collecting signatures, with a target of over 20 million voices raised against this unjust levy.

How does the JI view the government's economic excuses?

The JI chief rejected the government's reliance on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme as an excuse for inaction. He accused the government of shifting the burden of the Federal Revenue Board's inefficiency onto the shoulders of ordinary citizens. He also questioned extravagant government spending, including the purchase of an aircraft by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and the plan to acquire bulletproof vehicles worth billions for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation conference, asking what would become of these vehicles after the event.

Rehman further condemned the practice of burdening consumers with fuel adjustment charges while billions are paid to independent power producers in capacity payments, a policy that he argues is bleeding the nation dry.

What is the JI's stance on the killing of Pakistanis by pirates?

In a somber moment, the JI chief condemned the killing of three Pakistanis by pirates during a Somali security forces operation. He lamented that the government had failed to play an effective role in securing the release of Pakistani hostages, stating:

“It is extremely shameful and regrettable that the government did not play its role in this matter.”

He demanded that the bodies of the deceased be repatriated and that financial assistance be provided to their grieving families.

What is the JI's position on the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?

On the political front, Rehman voiced strong opposition to any reports of governor's rule or emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He warned that any unconstitutional action or use of force would only exacerbate tensions and alienate the people of the province. Instead, he called for dialogue with the PTI, stating that the JI is ready to play a mediating role, as it remains in contact with PTI leaders and recognizes their right to peaceful protest.

What is the JI's history of protest against the levy?

Since August 16, the JI has been staging regular sit-ins in Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi, and dozens of other locations across the country, embodying the spirit of peaceful resistance. The party's resolve remains unshaken, and its call for justice echoes the timeless struggle of the Pakistani nation for fairness and dignity. The government must now choose: heed the voice of the people or face the gathering storm.