PIBF to support JI’s protest against hike in fuel prices on 15th

LAHORE: The Pak International Business Forum (PIBF) has announced full support for the protest demonstration scheduled on May 15, 2026, in Islamabad by Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan against the increase in petroleum prices.

PIBF President Dr Mushtaq Mangat in a statement here on Wednesday said the continuous rise in petrol and diesel prices had become unbearable for the business community as well as the common man, adding that higher fuel costs were increasing transportation expenses, industrial input costs, and prices of essential commodities across the country.

He said the government should immediately review the recent increase in petroleum prices as it was adversely affecting industrial productivity, trade activities, exports, and the purchasing power of the masses.

PIBF Secretary General Muhammad Ejaz Tanveer said the hike in petroleum prices would trigger further inflation and badly affect economic activities, particularly small businesses, traders, and the transport sector already struggling under high operational costs.

Dr Mushtaq Mangat said PIBF fully supported the protest campaign announced by Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan and warned that if needed, PIBF’s local chapters and affiliated organizations across different cities would also arrange demonstrations at their respective places to send a forceful message to the government regarding unbearable petrol prices.

He said the business community was already facing multiple economic challenges, including high electricity tariffs, elevated taxation, and expensive financing, while the latest fuel price increase would further damage economic activity and increase inflationary pressure.

The PIBF president urged the government to adopt business-friendly and public-friendly economic policies and provide immediate relief in petroleum prices to reduce the burden on industries, traders, transporters, and consumers.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026