Jamaat-e-Islami Announces Nationwide Protest Against Fuel Levy, Power Tariffs, and Solar Policy

Lahore: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has announced a nationwide day of احتجاج on Friday, May 1, against rising petroleum levy, increasing electricity prices, and the government’s solar policy.
Addressing a press conference in Mansoorah, JI chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman strongly criticized the government’s economic policies, warning that the party may call for a countrywide strike if the petroleum levy is increased further.
He said the government is considering an additional Rs55 increase in the petroleum levy and cautioned that such a move would be unacceptable. “We cannot leave 250 million people at the mercy of the rulers,” he added.
The JI leader also targeted major political parties, claiming they have failed to deliver despite their claims of progress. He stressed that real change requires a transformation of the system rather than just changing faces or political parties.
Highlighting economic challenges, Hafiz Naeem said inflation remains the biggest issue facing the public. He criticized the government for placing the financial burden on citizens instead of reducing its own expenditures, noting that Rs137 billion had been collected through petroleum levy, largely affecting low-income groups, including motorcycle riders.
He further emphasized the need for Pakistan to safeguard its national interests in global affairs and called for a strong, organized political force backed by public support to steer the country out of crisis.