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Rawalpindi: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Rawalpindi Chapter launched a protest sit-in at Liaquat Bagh against what it describes as excessive petroleum levies, additional taxes and anti-people agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
A large number of residents from Rawalpindi and adjoining areas, JI workers and members of affiliated organisations participated in the sit-in. JI Rawalpindi City Ameer Syed Arif Shirazi, District Rawalpindi Rural Ameer Raja Muhammad Jawad and Murree Ameer Ghulam Ahmed Abbasi were also present. Addressing the protesters and media, JI Punjab North Secretary General Iqbal Khan strongly condemned the government’s decision to increase the petrol price by Rs13 per litre, describing it as an unjustified burden on the public.
He said fluctuations in international oil prices were understandable but there was no justification for imposing what he called excessive petroleum levies and additional taxes on consumers.
He added that increases in petrol prices directly contributed to higher prices of food and other essential commodities. Iqbal said inflation was affecting the entire population rather than workers or supporters of any particular political party.
He criticised successive governments for blaming the IMF while in opposition and then turning to the same institution after coming to power.He said JI Rawalpindi had decided to intensify its campaign among the people against petroleum levies and other taxes. He added that protests and sit-ins were continuing in different parts of the country as part of the party’s campaign. Referring to the sit-in at Liaquat Bagh, Iqbal said the historic venue had once again become a centre of peaceful public resistance.
He quoted JI Pakistan Ameer Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman saying that if a call were given for a major public gathering at D-Chowk, people from Rawalpindi and across the country would respond.
Iqbal said the government should take note of the growing public frustration, claiming that sit-ins had been continuing in 32 cities for 24 days. He said people were struggling to meet basic expenses, including house rents and school fees, while traders were also facing severe economic pressures. He said Jamaat-e-Islami would continue its peaceful struggle until the government withdrew unjustified levies.
