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Hafiz Naeem Slams Petrol Price Hike, Calls It Burden on Public
JI chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman criticises the Rs55 petrol price hike, accusing the government of taxing the public to hide FBR’s incompetence and demanding relief for citizens.
ND
by News Desk
2026-03-09
Hafiz Naeem Slams Petrol Price Hike, Calls It Burden on Public

Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman on Monday strongly criticised the government for increasing petroleum prices, accusing authorities of placing an unfair financial burden on the public.

Addressing a press conference at the party’s Karachi headquarters, Idara Noor Haq, the Jamaat-e-Islami chief questioned the government’s decision to raise petrol prices by Rs55 per litre despite the availability of fuel stocks.

He said the government was collecting direct taxes from the public to hide the incompetence of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

“Why was the price increased when petrol stocks are already available?” he asked, adding that those responsible for the decision should feel ashamed.

Hafiz Naeem further criticised the increase in petroleum levy, stating that the Rs20 per litre hike in levy would have the greatest impact on motorcyclists and lower-income groups who rely on motorcycles for daily transportation. He said the rising fuel costs would further increase financial pressure on ordinary citizens.

He also suggested that the government should reduce its own expenses to provide relief to the public. “Sell a plane worth Rs11 billion and give relief to the people of Punjab,” he said.

The Jamaat-e-Islami chief welcomed the decision of the government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to provide Rs2,200 relief to citizens, calling it a positive step.

Hafiz Naeem also proposed austerity measures for government officials, saying that vehicles larger than 1300cc should not be used in Karachi towns. He added that government employees and ministers should also avoid using vehicles above this capacity in order to reduce expenses.

Commenting on international developments, he condemned the attack on Iran by the United States and Israel, calling it an act of terrorism.

He said attacks on Iranian refineries and civilian areas had escalated tensions in the region. According to him, the situation had pushed the region toward instability and conflict.

“The entire Pakistani nation stands with Iran at this moment,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s stance regarding the issue should be clear.

Hafiz Naeem urged the government to prioritise relief for citizens and reduce taxes and fuel prices to ease the economic burden on the public. Meanwhile, he reiterated his demand that the recent increase in petroleum prices be withdrawn.

 
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