Participants to Arrive From Four Directions
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Friday announced that the party’s long march will reach Islamabad on September 23 and 24, with participants expected to begin arriving in the capital from September 20.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Rehman said a train march would depart from Karachi on September 20. He said the party had sought government permission for the protest and would not block roads.
JI Demands Abolition of Petroleum Levy
Rehman said the party’s main demand was the abolition of the petroleum levy, arguing that the government’s recently announced fuel relief package was insufficient.
Under the government’s scheme, motorcycle, rickshaw and other two- and three-wheeler users are eligible for Rs100 per litre relief on up to 20 litres of petrol per month, while owners of vehicles up to 800cc can receive the same relief on up to 30 litres.
The JI chief criticised the exclusion of diesel from the relief package and said the party remained in contact with PTI over the planned protests. He also said JI would not obstruct MDCAT candidates appearing for their examinations.