JI protests over fuel prices, inflation disrupt traffic across several cities

JI warns of widening protests against high fuel prices; Naeem says will stage sit-in outside Punjab CM House

JI Stages Nationwide Protests Against Inflation, Fuel Prices and Taxes

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) held nationwide protests on Friday against inflation, rising petroleum prices, the petroleum levy and taxes, with rallies and sit-ins disrupting traffic on major roads and highways in several cities.

Addressing party workers in Lahore, JI Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman announced plans for what he called “historic” sit-ins outside the Governor Houses in all four provinces.

He criticised the government for increasing petrol prices and taxes, arguing that consumers were not given adequate relief despite a decline in international oil prices.

Hafiz Naeem said the party had completed consultations and finalised its protest strategy. He claimed that the government had collected Rs8 trillion through the petroleum levy and accused it of attempting to hide its “incompetence and corruption.”

The JI chief demanded that petrol prices be reduced to Rs225 per litre, the petroleum levy abolished and taxes lowered. He also called on supporters to march towards Lahore on August 9 and said the party would proceed to the Chief Minister’s House and stage a sit-in there.

He also demanded the immediate release of JI workers whom he said had been arrested during the protests.

Sindh

In Karachi, JI demonstrations caused significant traffic congestion at several locations. According to the traffic police, heavy traffic was reported on both carriageways between Lasbela Chowk and Numaish Chowrangi, on roads connecting Tibet Centre with Numaish Chowrangi, and between Numaish and Shahrah-e-Quaideen.

Traffic police personnel were deployed at key points to regulate the flow of vehicles.

JI workers also blocked the National Highway in Matiari, disrupting traffic in both directions and causing lengthy queues on the Karachi-Punjab National Highway.

In Tando Allahyar, protesters marched from Ghani Khan Park to the Press Club, while a sit-in was held at DC Chowk in Makli, Thatta.

In Shikarpur, JI workers staged a sit-in on Rustam Road, disrupting traffic on highways connecting Kashmore, Jacobabad and Sukkur. Another protest against inflation and the petroleum levy was held at Hyder Chowk in Hyderabad.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Protests were held at several locations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In Abbottabad, demonstrators blocked traffic at Fawara Chowk against taxes on petroleum products.

JI workers also disrupted traffic on the main Peshawar-Bajaur highway in Bajaur. In Peshawar, protesters blocked the Peshawar Motorway toll plaza.

Balochistan

JI organised demonstrations across several districts of Balochistan, with protesters blocking the Peshawar-Chaman-Punjab highway at Kuchlak and the road leading to Jacobabad in the Dasht area of Mastung.

Protests were also held in Nasirabad, Jaffarabad, Jhal Magsi, Sohbatpur and Kachhi against inflation. In Nasirabad, a sit-in at the main chowk brought traffic on the Sindh-Balochistan National Highway to a standstill.

In Bela, protesters staged a sit-in at Bela Cross on the N-25 National Highway, resulting in long queues of vehicles and delays for travellers.

Islamabad

In Islamabad, JI workers gathered near Golra Mor for a protest march. Senior party leader Liaquat Baloch joined the protesters as the march proceeded towards 26 Number Chungi.

Baloch said the demonstration was aimed at protesting the increase in petroleum product prices.

Punjab

In Punjab, JI held demonstrations in Dera Ghazi Khan against inflation and rising fuel prices. The closure of Sangam Chowk, a key route connecting the four provinces, caused lengthy queues of vehicles.

A sit-in at Pul 47 in Sargodha also disrupted traffic, while a rally from Liaquat Bagh to Committee Chowk in Rawalpindi attracted a large number of party workers.

Protesters accused the government of failing to control inflation and provide relief to the public.

Following the demonstrations, JI supporters dispersed peacefully, allowing traffic to gradually return to normal in the affected areas.