JI links long march to withdrawal of petroleum levy
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has threatened a long march unless the government abolishes the petroleum levy, which the party labels as extortionary. Negotiations are ongoing as the government faces pressure over economic management and tax collection targets.
Why it matters
The protest reflects growing public and political discontent with Pakistan's economic policies and inflation.
LAHORE - Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Saturday said his party would launch a long march on Sunday (today) if the government failed to abolish the petroleum levy, as negotiations between the two sides continued in an effort to avert the planned protest. Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Hafiz Naeem said the petroleum levy had no justification and claimed that the government was collecting Rs107 per litre under the levy. He said the JI would not call off its long march unless the levy was withdrawn.
He said the JI's movement had now become the voice of the people, alleging that the government was imposing what he described as "extortionary taxes" to cover corruption and mismanagement. He also criticised the Federal Board of Revenue, alleging that its officials had failed to meet tax collection targets.
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