Hafiz Naeem Says Petroleum Levy Is ‘Bhatta Tax’, Vows Protest Until Government Withdraws It

LAHORE (Staff Reporter): Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has described the petroleum levy as a “bhatta tax” imposed on the public and vowed that his party’s sit-in would continue until the government withdraws the levy.

Addressing a protest sit-in at Faisal Chowk on Mall Road in Lahore against the petroleum levy and rising inflation, Hafiz Naeem said the JI had launched its protest and would continue it until the government accepted its demand.

He said the party’s demand was straightforward: the petroleum levy must be withdrawn.

Hafiz Naeem said the additional burden on petroleum products was further aggravating the difficulties faced by people already struggling with rising inflation. He called on the government to withdraw the levy and provide relief to the public.

The Jamaat-i-Islami has also been holding protest sit-ins outside governor houses in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawaragainst the petroleum levy and inflation.

According to the JI, the protests are aimed at putting pressure on the government to withdraw the petroleum levy and provide relief to people from the rising cost of living.