Islamabad, September 9, 2026: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Rawalpindi launched a protest sit-in at Liaquat Bagh against what it termed excessive petroleum levies, additional taxes and anti-people agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
A large number of citizens from Rawalpindi and adjoining areas, along with JI workers and members of affiliated organizations, participated in the protest. JI Rawalpindi City Ameer Syed Arif Shirazi, District Rawalpindi Rural Ameer Raja Muhammad Jawad and Murree Ameer Ghulam Ahmed Abbasi were also present.
Addressing protesters and the media, JI Punjab North Secretary General Iqbal Khan condemned the government’s decision to increase the petrol price by Rs13 per litre, calling it an unjustified burden on the public.
He said fluctuations in international oil prices could be understood, but there was no justification for imposing what he described as excessive petroleum levies and additional taxes on consumers.
Iqbal Khan said higher petrol prices directly contributed to increases in food and other essential commodity prices, adding that inflation was affecting the entire population regardless of political affiliation.
He criticized successive governments for blaming the International Monetary Fund (IMF) while in opposition and subsequently turning to the same institution after coming to power.
Iqbal Khan said JI Rawalpindi had decided to intensify its campaign against petroleum levies and other taxes, adding that protests and sit-ins were continuing in different parts of the country.
Referring to the Liaquat Bagh protest, he said the historic venue had once again become a centre of peaceful public resistance. Quoting JI Pakistan Ameer Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, he said that if a call was given for a major gathering at D-Chowk, people from Rawalpindi and across the country would respond.
He urged the government to take notice of growing public frustration, claiming that JI sit-ins had been continuing in 32 cities for 24 days.
He said people were struggling to meet basic expenses, including house rents and school fees, while traders were also facing severe economic pressures.
Iqbal Khan said Jamaat-e-Islami would continue its peaceful struggle until the government withdrew what it termed unjustified levies and provided relief from inflation and rising living costs.
