Calls for the complete abolition of the oil tax and reductions in diesel and electricity prices
Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman addresses the inaugural session as the party’s three-day congregation begins at the historic Minar-e-Pakistan in Lahore. Photo:
LAHORE:
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Thursday demanded an immediate reduction in oil prices and announced nationwide protests against inflation and oil tax on June 19, warning that sit-ins would be organized in all four provinces if the government’s demands were not met.
Addressing a press conference at Mansoorah in Lahore, Hafiz Naeem welcomed the ceasefire and agreement between Iran and the United States, describing it as a positive development for the region. He said Pakistan had played an important and constructive role in the process while the efforts of other countries in the region to ensure a ceasefire were also commendable.
He said the deal would help improve relations between Iran and Gulf countries and stressed the need for practical measures to strengthen unity among Muslim nations. He proposed greater cooperation between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Turkiye to promote regional solidarity and collective strength in the Muslim world.
Referring to the agreement, the JI chief said oil prices should now be reduced significantly. He demanded that the price of petrol be immediately fixed at Rs 225 per liter and frozen for the next three years. He also called for the complete abolition of the oil tax and reductions in diesel and electricity prices.
“Reducing fuel prices by just Rs 10 or Rs 20 per liter will not be enough. The public deserves significant relief,” he said.
Criticizing the federal budget, Hafiz Naeem said that parliamentarians’ salaries had increased by 300 to 500%, while only a 10% increase had been proposed for government employees. He alleged that the government had increased the tax burden on citizens despite war conditions and had raised substantial revenue through the oil tax.
He claimed that motorcycle users alone had paid 400 billion rupees in taxes, while only 10 to 12 billion rupees in taxes had been collected from large landowners.
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Hafiz Naeem also called for the abolition of legislators’ development funds, arguing that legislation was the primary responsibility of elected representatives. He alleged that government policies had strengthened mafias in the flour, sugar and pharmaceutical sectors.
He said the proposed minimum wage of Rs 41,000 was insufficient and urged the government to formulate economic policies based on the needs of common citizens. He also demanded exemption from income tax for people earning up to Rs 125,000 a month, along with increases in Employees’ Old Age Benefit Institution (EOBI) funds and pensions.
Hafiz Naeem, expressing concern over allocations for education and agriculture, said university budgets had been reduced despite claims of an educational emergency. He also criticized the outsourcing of thousands of government schools in Punjab.
He said the abandonment of the agricultural sector had contributed to a decline in cotton production, forcing the country to rely on imports.
Commenting on the situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), he said that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and negotiations, and emphasized that force should not be used under any circumstances.
He said the causes of political instability and public unrest in the region required serious attention. According to him, anti-Pakistan elements should have no place in the Joint Action Committee and efforts should focus on addressing the genuine concerns of Kashmiri youth.
He further said that the right of representation of Kashmiris who had migrated from Indian-administered Kashmir could not be waived.
Replying to a question, Hafiz Naeem said the issue of Pakistanis kidnapped in Somalia had also been raised with government officials and the concerns of the affected families should be addressed on a priority basis.
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He said his party remained committed to maintaining dialogue and engagement at all levels for the resolution of public issues.
The JI chief said he had no objection to an increase in the defense budget but called for a review of administrative expenses, privileges and salaries. He urged the government to reduce unnecessary benefits for senior civil and military officials and redirect national resources towards public welfare, education, healthcare and employment.
