ISLAMABAD: Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has announced a large-scale protest in Islamabad on May 15 against what he described as the government’s “anti-people economic policies” and soaring inflation.
Speaking at a press conference, the JI leader strongly criticized the recent hike in petroleum, electricity and gas prices, accusing the government of burdening citizens with excessive taxes and levies. He claimed that while the global market price of petrol stands at Rs271 per litre, consumers in Pakistan are being charged Rs401 per litre due to heavy taxation, including a levy of Rs117.
Hafiz Naeem said inflation continues to spiral because of flawed government policies, adding that over the past three years, Rs1.9 trillion had been collected in electricity-related taxes. Instead of offering relief to the public, he alleged, the authorities imposed additional fixed charges on electricity and gas bills.
Calling petrol a “major revenue tool” for the government, he questioned why price pressures were more severe in Pakistan compared to neighboring countries such as India and Bangladesh. He asked why the impact of global conflicts was being passed entirely onto Pakistani consumers.
The Jamaat-e-Islami chief warned that the May 15 protest would be a strong show of public resistance against inflation, adding that options such as a nationwide strike and road blockades were also under consideration.
He further alleged that the government had reached agreements with only 15 out of 100 Independent Power Producers (IPPs), while others were awaiting the expiry of their contracts. He claimed the authorities intended to extend IPP contracts, accusing them of doing so for corrupt interests.
