KARACHI: Following a call from Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Engr Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, protest demonstrations were held across Karachi against the recent sharp increase in petroleum prices. The protests took place at various intersections, squares, and major public spaces in the megacity.
Earlier in the day, during a press conference, and later at night while addressing the central protest demonstration in the Gulistan-e-Johar area, JI Karachi Chief Monem Zafar Khan demanded the immediate withdrawal of what he termed an “unbearable” hike in petroleum prices. He described the increase as an act of “cruelty” against the public.
The JI leader said that petrol and diesel prices had been increased by Rs 137 and Rs 184 per litre, respectively. Over the past month, he said, petrol had increased by 63 percent and diesel by 75 percent, calling it the “worst” example of its kind in the country’s history.
He stated that in a country where more than 100 million people live below the poverty line and every newborn child is burdened with a debt of Rs 325,000, the extravagant spending of the rulers was deeply alarming. He cited the Prime Minister’s 37-vehicle protocol, Maryam Nawaz’s purchase of an expensive plane, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani’s costly vehicle, and President Asif Ali Zardari’s lavish lifestyle, describing these as “equivalent to rubbing salt into the wounds of the people.”
He further said the petrol price had now reached Rs 458 per litre, severely affecting Karachi’s 35 million residents, especially motorcycle users. He added that inflation had risen to the point where ordinary citizens were struggling to secure two meals a day.
Monem Zafar also raised concerns about interference and pressure in cantonment board delimitations, calling it “unacceptable.” He alleged that the ruling party was pressuring Election Commission staff and urged the Chief Election Commissioner to ensure transparent elections and fair delimitations.
Referring to the recent rains in Karachi, he said the city’s infrastructure had completely failed. Major roads including Shahrah-e-Faisal, University Road, Natha Khan, Lal Kothi, and other key arteries remained clogged with traffic, leaving citizens stranded for hours.
He added that the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation, PDMA, NDMA, and other relevant institutions had failed to fulfill their responsibilities, noting that water-drainage pumps were nowhere to be seen during the rainfall.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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