KARACHI: On August 7, 2026, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi organized massive city-wide protests and sit-ins against soaring petroleum levies, heavy taxes, and recent fuel price hikes following a nationwide call by JI Chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman. Led by JI Karachi Amir Munem Zafar Khan, thousands of demonstrators completely paralyzed major thoroughfares across the city, including Shahrah-e-Faisal. Rallies originating from various districts converged at Mazar-e-Quaid before marching via Shahrah-e-Quaideen to join the central demonstration. Total traffic gridlock was witnessed as major arteries—including the National Highway, Super Highway, Hub River Road, and key corridors in Orangi, Korangi, and Pakistan—were completely blocked by protesters staging sit-ins on both tracks.
Protesters riding motorcycles, cars, and commercial vehicles bearing party flags and placards demanded the immediate withdrawal of the petroleum levy, a reduction in fuel prices, a crackdown on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) mafia, and an end to lavish government expenditures. Addressing the participants, Munem Zafar Khan stated that protests spanning 510 major highways nationwide reflect the public’s absolute rejection of current economic policies, declaring that the citizens no longer accept oppressive systems. He strongly criticized the ruling administration, accusing them of economic oppression, extravagant lifestyles, and failing to provide relief to ordinary citizens. Prominent figures including Saifuddin Advocate, Taufiquddin Siddiqui, and MPA Muhammad Farooq also addressed the gathered crowds, reiterating their stance against inflation and misgovernance.
