JI March From Karachi to Islamabad Begins Today
The JI has maintained that its protest campaign will continue until its demand for the withdrawal of the petroleum levy is met.
The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), a major religious-political party in Pakistan, today launched a long march from Karachi towards Islamabad, demanding the withdrawal of the petroleum levy and announcing that its protest will continue until the levy is abolished.
Speaking to the media at Karachi Cantonment Railway Station, JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said the march had begun for Islamabad, with Hyderabad serving as its first stop before the caravan moves towards other cities.
He said the protest would end only after the government withdraws the petroleum levy, alleging that ministers visit people but fail to provide them with relief.
“The government itself is forcing people to protest,” he said.
Hafiz Naeem said the government increases petroleum prices by citing fluctuations in the international market, adding that the JI had no desire to protest in extreme heat and was carrying out the campaign for public relief.
He warned that if caravans from different parts of the country reached Islamabad, it would become difficult for the authorities to stop the protesters.
Islamabad on Alert
Meanwhile, security arrangements have been tightened in Islamabad ahead of the JI march and expected protests. Containers have been placed at key points in the capital, while the Red Zone has been sealed from multiple sides to restrict access and maintain security around sensitive government installations.
The JI has maintained that its protest campaign will continue until its demand for the withdrawal of the petroleum levy is met.
