Hafiz Naeem Announces Train March to Islamabad, Demands End to Petroleum Levy

ISLAMABAD:Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has announced that the party’s train march will begin on September 20, with participants expected to reach Islamabad on September 23 and 24, as the party presses the government to provide relief to the public and abolish the petroleum levy.

Speaking to the media, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said, “We are not coming to be touched; we are coming to seek relief,” while accusing the government of failing to provide adequate relief to the people. He said international oil prices had declined but the reduction had not been passed on to consumers in Pakistan. ([Dawn][1])

The JI chief described the government’s relief package as insufficient, saying that a large section of the population was not benefiting from the subsidy. He alleged that the government had continued to burden people financially despite the difficult economic situation.

Hafiz Naeem said the government should have engaged with local refineries and other stakeholders following the escalation of tensions involving Iran earlier this year. He maintained that measures adopted in other countries, including India, Bangladesh and China, had provided greater relief to consumers.

He reiterated the JI’s demand for the complete abolition of the petroleum levy, arguing that reducing the levy would provide relief to all consumers. The JI has been holding protests and sit-ins in several parts of the country over the issue and has announced a broader mobilisation towards Islamabad. ([Dawn][2])

The JI emir also criticised the taxation system, saying that while the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called for greater taxation of wealthy landowners, the burden was instead being placed on farmers and salaried citizens. He said small vehicles were predominantly used by middle-class households, while diesel was essential for economic activity.

On interest rates, Hafiz Naeem said the JI had presented a six-point set of proposals, including a reduction in the interest rate as part of its broader demand to eliminate interest-based financial practices. He argued that a reduction in the policy rate could generate significant savings for the government. Recent reports quoted him as saying that a three-percentage-point reduction could save hundreds of billions of rupees. ([Dawn][1])

Hafiz Naeem also said the JI remained in contact with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and farmers’ groups, adding that the groups had supported one another’s protests. He said the JI’s campaign was focused on issues affecting the public rather than the interests of an individual political party.

Regarding the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), the JI chief said students would not be obstructed by the party’s protest. He said the September 20 mobilisation would not involve blocking roads or creating obstacles for students appearing in the examination. Recent reporting also quoted him as assuring the public that the march would not disrupt routine life. ([Dawn][1])

Hafiz Naeem also condemned the reported attack near Makkah, saying that Makkah and Madinah were integral to the faith of Muslims.

He added that the expenses of the JI’s long march were being borne by the party itself. The JI has said its campaign will continue until its demand for the abolition of the petroleum levy is addressed, while the government has invited the party for further talks. ([Dawn][3])

اگر چاہیں تو میں اسی خبر کا **مختصر 5 پیراگراف والا English version** بھی بنا سکتا ہوں، جو نیوز ویب سائٹ کے لیے زیادہ مناسب ہو۔

[1]: https://www.dawn.com/news/amp/2030918?utm_source=chatgpt.com “JI chief says govt could save up to Rs4 trillion if it adopts party’s proposed fiscal reforms – Pakistan – DAWN.COM”
[2]: https://www.dawn.com/news/amp/2030686?utm_source=chatgpt.com “JI warns of ‘super long march’ – Newspaper – DAWN.COM”
[3]: https://www.dawn.com/news/2031025?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Jamaat to launch ‘super long march’ tomorrow – Newspaper – DAWN.COM”