KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has strongly criticized the federal government’s recent petroleum price hike, calling it hypocritical while talks are ongoing. Speaking at a massive public gathering in Karachi marking the 31st day of the Governor House sit-in, he warned that negotiations with the government could soon collapse if tangible relief is not provided.
Regarding the upcoming political strategy, Hafiz Naeem announced that the comprehensive plan and timeline for the upcoming Islamabad long march will be unveiled in two days. He also dismissed the Prime Minister’s recent relief package as mere eyewash and a drop in the ocean, pointing out that billions are spent on media advertising rather than easing public burdens while noting that over PKR 135 is charged in taxes per liter of petrol. Furthermore, while confirming that JI’s negotiation committee met with government representatives to present concrete demands regarding fuel prices and Independent Power Producer (IPP) agreements, he warned that any further dilly-dallying would mark the end of talks. Finally, he accused the ruling elite of exploiting import and export policies—specifically citing sugar and wheat decisions—to benefit powerful families and political elites while neglecting ordinary citizens and farmers.
