JI chief threatens Islamabad march over petrol taxes
Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Thursday warned that his party would march towards Islamabad if the government failed to withdraw additional taxes and levies on petrol. The JI Islamabad march petrol taxes warning came as he addressed a ceremony at the University of Karachi.
Naeem demanded the restoration of student unions alongside relief on fuel prices. He said student unions played a vital role in promoting democratic values, healthy political debate and leadership among young people.
On fuel prices, the JI chief claimed consumers were paying around Rs135 to Rs140 per litre in various taxes and levies. He broke the figure down as Rs80 in petroleum levy, Rs5 in climate support levy and Rs21 in customs duty, among other charges.
JI Islamabad march over petrol taxes: the Rs200 claim
Naeem argued that petrol prices could drop to Rs200 per litre if the government cut taxes and international prices improved. His remarks land at a sensitive moment: the government has shifted to a daily fuel-price revision mechanism amid Middle East volatility, and petrol was cut by Rs1.60 to Rs377.71 a litre in the latest revision effective October 23.
The JI chief’s tax arithmetic echoes a long-running opposition argument that the petroleum levy has become a revenue crutch. The levy currently stands at Rs80 per litre, a level the government has defended as necessary for revenue targets agreed under the IMF programme. Dawn reported on Thursday night that the government continues to charge Rs114 per litre in total taxes and duties on petrol, and Rs100 per litre on diesel — figures that give the JI chief’s claim a verifiable anchor, even if his higher breakdown remains his own.
Speaking at the same event, University of Karachi Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Waseem Qazi illustrated how fuel costs are biting public institutions. He said around 47,000 students were enrolled at the university, but its bus fleet had remained at 33 vehicles for eight years, serving only about 3,300 students. Annual diesel expenses had doubled from Rs60 million to Rs120 million, he added.
Fuel costs ripple beyond the pump
The warning reflects wider pressure on household budgets. Fuel prices feed directly into transport fares and food inflation, and the government is already cracking down on profiteering in the LPG market ahead of winter, when notified and market prices have diverged sharply.
JI has a history of street mobilisation on economic issues, and the party’s sit-ins have previously forced the government to the negotiating table. Whether Thursday’s warning turns into a formal protest call will depend on the government’s response in the coming days.
It is worth noting that the JI chief’s figures are his own claims. The government has not confirmed the Rs135-140 per litre tax breakdown, and earlier this month the petroleum levy debate resurfaced when petrol was raised by Rs1.20.
Sources: Tribune reported the JI chief’s warning.
FAQ
What did the JI chief demand?
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman demanded the restoration of student unions and the withdrawal of additional taxes and levies on petrol, warning of a march on Islamabad if the government failed to provide relief.
How much tax does JI claim is charged on petrol?
Naeem claimed consumers pay around Rs135 to Rs140 per litre in taxes and levies, including Rs80 petroleum levy, Rs5 climate support levy and Rs21 customs duty. These are his claims, not government figures.
What did the Karachi University VC say about fuel costs?
Professor Dr Waseem Qazi said the university’s annual diesel expenses had doubled from Rs60 million to Rs120 million, while its 33-bus fleet had not grown in eight years despite 47,000 enrolled students.
