Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has warned that the party will stage sit-ins in Rawalpindi and Islamabad if authorities refuse permission for its public gathering at Liaquat Bagh. The JI’s protests against the petroleum development levy and rising fuel prices have entered their 15th consecutive day. The party launched the demonstrations in provincial capitals on August 16 and has announced a nationwide shutter-down strike for September 3. Addressing a press conference in Lahore on Sunday, Hafiz Naeem accused the administration of using delaying tactics over permission for the proposed Liaquat Bagh gathering. He warned that authorities would be responsible for any consequences if they failed to change their approach. The JI emir said the party would hold a public gathering in Rawalpindi later in the day and that he would meet members of the business community. He said the protests were helping raise public awareness about key national issues and mobilise citizens. Hafiz Naeem also expressed concern over the country’s law and order situation, saying terrorist incidents were increasing while growing disillusionment among young people was contributing to a brain drain. Gul Plaza: Judicial commission blames safety failures for deadly fire He criticised the government’s economic policies, particularly the tax burden on ordinary citizens. He said salaried individuals were bearing a disproportionate share of income tax while excessive taxation was adding to public hardship. The JI protests come amid growing concern over fuel prices, inflation and rising electricity bills. Party supporters have staged sit-ins outside the Punjab chief minister’s residence in Lahore and at governor houses in Karachi, Quetta and Peshawar. The federal government is under increasing pressure over successive fuel price increases and their impact on inflation. The situation has become more challenging after authorities shifted from a 15-day fuel price review mechanism to daily revisions amid volatility in global oil prices following renewed hostilities in the Middle East. The fuel price dispute has also prompted protests and demands from transporters and petroleum dealers. Post navigation Gul Plaza: Judicial commission blames safety failures for deadly fire Karachi Police: Chief seeks report over Defence assault video
