Protests were held at more than 500 locations, with demonstrators blocking major roads and highways in cities including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Abbottabad.
Thousands of people took to the streets across Pakistan on Friday to protest against rising fuel prices, a steep petroleum levy and soaring inflation, disrupting daily life in several major cities, according to a report by Express Tribune.
Demonstrations, rallies and sit-ins were held at more than 500 locations, with protesters blocking major roads and highways in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Abbottabad.
Protesters raised slogans against the government’s tax policies and held placards demanding the withdrawal of the petroleum levy and relief from rising living costs.
Jamaat-e-Islami warns of bigger protests
The protests were organised by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), with party chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman warning that the agitation would intensify in the coming days.
Addressing a sit-in in Lahore, Rehman described Friday’s demonstrations as merely a “trailer”, saying the main phase of the movement was yet to begin.
He announced that the next round of protests would include sit-ins outside the Punjab Chief Minister’s House in Lahore and Governor Houses in Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta on Sunday, August 9.
Rehman also directed JI workers to conduct door-to-door mobilisation campaigns ahead of the planned demonstrations.
JI chief targets government’s economic policies
Rehman sharply criticised the government over its economic policies, arguing that the petroleum levy and rising electricity costs were placing an increasing burden on ordinary citizens.
He accused successive governments of failing to provide adequate relief while protecting the interests of powerful groups.
“You claim that the IMF won’t allow this (easing up fuel prices). So to hell with you and your IMF. Stop oppressing the poor, stop oppressing students. We don’t accept this levy,” Rehman was quoted as saying by India Today.
The JI chief also rejected the government’s argument that conditions imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) prevented it from reducing the petroleum levy.
Rehman warned that the protests could continue for an extended period if the government failed to address the protesters’ demands.
He said JI would continue its campaign, describing the movement as an effort to secure relief and protect the rights of ordinary Pakistanis.
Pakistan has been grappling with persistent inflation, while higher fuel prices have increased transportation costs and pushed up the prices of essential goods, adding to public discontent.
What do you think about this?
Drop your opinion in the comment section.
Share this with someone who needs to see this.