KARACHI: Thousands of women marched in Karachi on Monday to protest against petroleum levy (PL) and rising fuel prices, as Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) announced plans to expand its nationwide agitation with demonstrations across the country on Aug. 7.
The rally, organised by JI’s women’s wing on Shahrah-i-Quaideen, was led by JI Pakistan Women’s Wing General Secretary Dr Humaira Tariq. Participants from across Karachi carried banners and placards calling for the abolition of the petroleum levy, lower petrol prices and cuts in government spending.
Addressing the gathering, JI Pakistan chief Engr Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said the protest reflected public frustration over rising living costs and urged the government to abolish the petroleum levy and reduce fuel prices.
He also called for the termination of agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), saying a forensic audit of the power sector would identify those responsible for policies that he said had harmed the public.
Announcing the next phase of the party’s campaign, Naeemur Rehman said JI would hold nationwide protests on Aug. 7 and unveil its future strategy. He said demonstrations would include blockades on major highways from Karachi to Chitral, while emergency vehicles, including ambulances, would be allowed to pass.
The JI chief reiterated his party’s position that elected representatives should be allowed to govern, saying electoral manipulation had denied voters their mandate. He also criticised successive governments and the political establishment, accusing them of failing to tackle the country’s economic problems.
He said the petroleum levy had added to inflation and increased transport costs, placing a heavier financial burden on millions of motorcycle users and low-income households. He also criticised lawmakers for raising their salaries despite the country’s economic difficulties.
Naeemur Rehman urged party workers and supporters to use social media more actively to strengthen the campaign against inflation, the petroleum levy and what he described as entrenched economic interests.
Speaking at the rally, JI Karachi chief Monem Zafar announced youth rallies on Aug. 5, public awareness camps on Aug. 6 and a major gathering at Mazar-i-Quaid on Aug. 7.
Dr Humaira Tariq said rising fuel prices had sharply increased the cost of living and described the campaign as a movement for the economic rights of ordinary Pakistanis.
Other speakers, including Samina Saeed, Rukhsanda Muneeb and Jawadan Faheem, criticised inflation, rising taxes and government spending. They called for the abolition of the petroleum levy, lower fuel prices and reduced public expenditure.
The protesters concluded the rally by reiterating their demands for lower petrol prices, the abolition of the petroleum levy and cuts in government spending.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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