Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman Press Conference - Lahore | Warns of Strong Islamabad March Over Petroleum Levy
JI Ameer calls for relief from rising prices, abolition of additional petroleum levies, and urgent action on Palestine.
Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Ameer Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman addressed a press conference in Lahore, highlighting economic challenges facing Pakistan and calling for urgent measures to ease the burden on ordinary citizens.
Speaking about petroleum prices, Hafiz Naeem criticized the petroleum levy and additional charges, arguing that these increase the financial pressure on the public. He called on the government to abolish the additional levies and taxes. He also warned that if meaningful relief is not provided and the petroleum levy is not removed, Jamaat-e-Islami could organize a strong march towards Islamabad in mid-November.
The JI Ameer also questioned the adequacy of the government’s relief measures amid rising prices. He urged authorities to reduce unnecessary government expenditure and privileges, and criticized economic policies that, in his view, place a disproportionate burden on ordinary people. He raised concerns about the role of the IMF, interest-based economic arrangements, privatization, independent power producers, and cartels affecting consumers.
On Palestine, Hafiz Naeem expressed concern over the destruction and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as well as displacement and devastation in the occupied West Bank. He criticized the international community and Muslim leaders for what he described as an inadequate response, calling for greater unity among Muslim countries and coordinated diplomatic efforts to support Palestinians.
He also highlighted difficulties faced by farmers, including high production costs, fertilizer prices, and concerns surrounding wheat, flour, cotton, and the sugar industry. He called for measures to protect farmers and address market practices that place additional pressure on the public.
Hafiz Naeem further stressed the importance of the rule of law, accountability, and justice, raising concerns about extrajudicial killings and the handling of criminal cases.
The press conference focused on Jamaat-e-Islami’s demands for economic relief, changes to petroleum-related charges, support for farmers, stronger action on Palestine, and accountability in governance.