JI warns of Islamabad march over petroleum levy

Jamaat-i-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman warned on Monday that his party would march towards Islamabad in mid-November if the federal government failed to abolish the petroleum levy and provide meaningful relief to consumers. He made the announcement during a press conference as the party renewed pressure on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over rising fuel costs.

The JI chief said his party had exercised restraint because of the difficult international situation but was now prepared to intensify its campaign. He maintained that any forthcoming meeting with the prime minister must produce tangible measures instead of serving as a ceremonial round of talks without practical results.

JI has been demanding the removal of levies that it says include Rs114 per litre on petrol and Rs100 per litre on diesel. Rehman argued that the levy was separate from the underlying cost of petroleum products and that reducing it would directly ease pressure on households, transport operators and businesses.

Federal ministers recently contacted JI Vice Emir Liaquat Baloch, and the two sides agreed that a meeting between Rehman and Prime Minister Shehbaz could take place within two days. Rehman said the party remained willing to engage with the government but would not suspend its demand without a credible relief commitment.

The party leader also criticised the fuel-support programme announced by the government in September. Under that scheme, motorcycle and three-wheeler owners were offered relief of Rs100 per litre on a monthly quota of 20 litres, while owners of vehicles with engines of up to 800cc were allocated the same concession on 30 litres per month.

Rehman claimed that the programme did not cover many motorists, public-transport users or families facing higher prices for food and other essential goods. Diesel costs affect freight and passenger transport, meaning increases at the fuel pump can spread through supply chains and raise the final prices paid by consumers.

JI’s campaign began with sit-ins in provincial capitals on August 16 and later expanded into a nationwide strike on September 3. Government and party representatives subsequently formed committees to examine possible reductions in the levy, but their discussions did not produce a settlement acceptable to JI.

The party launched another march towards Islamabad on September 20 but suspended it in Multan after the prime minister requested more time for negotiations. Rehman now says the protest option remains active, making the expected meeting with the government a critical point in determining whether the planned mid-November mobilisation proceeds.

A renewed march could increase political pressure on the government at a time when fuel prices are already affecting household budgets, transport expenses and the cost of essential commodities. The government’s response to JI’s demand, including whether it offers a levy reduction or modifies the existing relief scheme, is expected to shape the party’s next move.