KARACHI: The Jamaat-i-Islami’s (JI) sit-in outside the Sindh Governor House against the petroleum levy and agreements with independent power producers (IPPs) entered its 16th day on Monday, as traders and market associations continued to announce support for a nationwide shutter-down strike on September 3.
Addressing a press conference at the protest camp, JI Karachi chief Monem Zafar said the sit-ins being held in provincial capitals, including the one outside the Sindh Governor House, represented the “voice of the people”.
He said rulers expected a common man to manage his monthly household budget with Rs43,000, while the ruling elite and bureaucracy spent Rs380 billion on petrol and Rs280 billion on electricity at the expense of the people.
The JI leader said the rulers continued to enjoy unlimited perks and privileges while 110 million Pakistanis lived in miserable conditions. He also referred to the deaths of 14 newborns in the recent PIMS fire, 10 children contracting AIDS at Valika Hospital and victims of the Gul Plaza and Baldia factory fires still waiting for justice.
He thanked members of the business community for supporting the nationwide shutdown strike announced by JI Pakistan chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman. He said a traders’ convention would be held outside the Governor House at 3pm on Sept 1, where Hafiz Naeemur Rehman would deliver a special address.
Monem Zafar said the petroleum levy had increased the financial burden on ordinary citizens and made it increasingly difficult for families to meet their household expenses.
He criticized government spending and alleged that successive ruling parties had protected one another’s interests while failing to resolve issues linked to IPPs and K-Electric.
He also raised concerns over prolonged power outages, water shortages, street crime and the deteriorating infrastructure of Karachi. He said that despite the city generating a substantial share of the country’s revenue, many areas continued to face lengthy power outages.
The JI leader also referred to several major tragedies and civic problems, saying those responsible for various incidents had yet to be held accountable.
He said JI did not oppose the creation of administrative units and provinces within the constitutional framework. However, he said an empowered local government system and strong district governments were an immediate need, calling for greater devolution of powers to the grassroots level.
Traders’ leaders Tariq Mujtaba, Mohammad Sohail Farooq, Mohammad Salman, Ayaz Rasool, Abdul Wahid, Arsalan Malik and others also spoke on the occasion.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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