JI Defers Long March After PM Request as Fuel Prices Drop

Jamaat-i-Islami has postponed its planned long march until the first week of October following a request from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while keeping its wider protest campaign active. JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman announced the decision in Multan, where the party has been mobilising supporters over petroleum prices and other economic concerns affecting households across Pakistan.

Hafiz Naeem said the prime minister had contacted him by telephone and asked the party to delay its planned protest action. He said JI had agreed to defer the long march but had not withdrawn its demands. The party intends to continue its sit-in in Multan and maintain pressure for what it says should be stronger economic relief for the public.

The JI chief said further discussions with the government would take place after the prime minister returns from his overseas visit. He indicated that the party would seek written assurances during those talks and said its protest strategy would depend on the outcome. According to the announced plan, the long march remains an option for the first week of October if the two sides do not reach an understanding acceptable to the party.

The development came alongside a reduction in petroleum prices taking effect on September 23. The government lowered the price of petrol by Rs1.70 per litre, bringing it down from Rs393.75 to Rs392.05. High-speed diesel was reduced by Rs3.12 per litre, from Rs422.08 to Rs418.96. The changes were announced under the federal petroleum pricing framework.

Officials said the adjustments reflected movements in international petroleum benchmarks as well as changes in premiums and related pricing components. The reductions provide some immediate relief to motorists and transport operators after sustained concern over fuel costs, although JI has maintained that broader measures are needed to address the financial pressure being faced by consumers.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told the JI leadership that the government was seeking to provide maximum possible relief to economically vulnerable and middle-income citizens under difficult conditions. Both sides agreed to continue consultations following his return. The contact temporarily lowers the prospect of an immediate march toward the federal capital while leaving the underlying dispute over petroleum-related costs unresolved.

For JI, the next stage will centre on negotiations with the government and the continuation of its existing protest activities. Hafiz Naeem has said the party does not intend to abandon its campaign and will assess the government's response before deciding whether to proceed with the deferred march. The government's next steps will include further engagement with the party as fuel pricing and cost-of-living pressures remain prominent issues in the political debate.