Pakistan’s Jamaat-e-Islami threatens Islamabad march over petroleum levy

Pakistan’s opposition party Jamaat-e-Islami has threatened to march on Islamabad in mid-November if the federal government fails to abolish the petroleum levy and provide relief from rising living costs. Party chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman announced the plan Monday, renewing pressure on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration after an earlier march was called off in September.

Why is Jamaat-e-Islami threatening a march on Islamabad?

Jamaat-e-Islami wants the government to abolish the petroleum levy completely and ease the financial pressure on households. The party argues that the tax contributes to high fuel costs and that previous price reductions have not provided enough relief to ordinary consumers.

Rehman said the party would continue its anti-tax movement until public grievances were addressed. He emphasized the difficulties faced by laborers and other citizens struggling to afford basic necessities.

When will Jamaat-e-Islami march on Islamabad?

The party plans to organize a march toward the capital in mid-November if the government does not meet its demands. Jamaat-e-Islami had called off an earlier march in September at Sharif’s request, setting an October deadline for the government to address its concerns.

The party is preparing to mobilize supporters from across Pakistan for the planned march and sit-in. Local business associations and consumer advocacy groups are watching for meaningful government concessions before the deadline.

Will the government negotiate with Jamaat-e-Islami?

Talks between the government and Jamaat-e-Islami remain possible despite the threat of renewed protests. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Rana Sanaullah, a special assistant to the prime minister, have contacted the party’s leadership to propose negotiations.

Talks are expected within the next 48 hours. Rehman is scheduled to meet Sharif directly to press for immediate tax cuts and relief for consumers.

What else has Jamaat-e-Islami criticized?

Rehman also criticized the declaration of a state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, calling it a violation of fundamental human rights. He demanded that the government withdraw the measure immediately.

The party’s demands over fuel taxes and its criticism of the emergency declaration add to the pressure on the federal government as it faces the prospect of another major opposition protest in the capital.