Jamaat-e-Islami leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman declared a sit-in protest in Islamabad on July 12 to oppose the heavy taxation and soaring utility costs, such as electricity and gas prices.
He made this announcement at a press conference held at Mansoora, Lahore.
Rehman asserted, “Our nation is in a severe crisis with crippling electricity bills pushing people to sell their jewelry just to pay them. The recent hikes in gas and petrol prices have exacerbated the situation. We cannot stand idly by while the public suffers.”
He highlighted that Jamaat-e-Islami is contemplating a nationwide strike to compel the government to abolish these burdensome taxes. “After increasing petrol and gas prices, the government is now imposing additional taxes as per IMF directives,” he added.
Rehman also criticized the exemption of high-ranking officials from paying for petrol and electricity, stating, “A privileged few are thriving while the middle class is being wiped out. Those earning modest incomes are under severe strain. Taxing them further is unsustainable.”
He further condemned the taxation on electricity bills and petrol levies, arguing that these measures only benefit the wealthy while burdening ordinary citizens. He concluded by criticizing the government’s alignment with IMF policies, describing it as regressive and subservient.