RAWALPINDI: Jamaat-i-Islami’s (JI) Rawalpindi district chapter on Sunday announced that it would intensify its protest campaign against the increase in petroleum product prices and the petroleum levy.

Addressing a joint press conference, JI Rawalpindi District Amir Arif Shirazi and Deputy Amir Raza Ahmed Shah demanded that the government immediately abolish the petroleum levy, provide relief to the people, and take practical steps to curb inflation.

Mr Shirazi said the increase in petroleum prices had imposed an unbearable burden on the public, adding that despite a decline in international oil prices, the government had failed to pass on full relief to consumers.

He said the revenue collected through the petroleum levy should be spent on public welfare, education and health.

He announced that the protest campaign would be intensified from Aug 7 with a series of programmes, including a public awareness campaign, seminars, a women’s rally and a central protest camp.

He said a protest rally would also be held from Liaquat Bagh to Murree Road on Aug 7, adding that one track of the road would remain open for traffic during the demonstration. After Maghrib prayers, JI Amir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman will address the sit-in online.

District General Secretary Usman Akash, Deputy Amirs Raza Ahmed Shah and Syed Uzair Hamid, along with other party officials, were also present at the press conference.

Speaking on the occasion, Amir Raza Ahmed Shah said protests would be held across the country, including a major sit-in in Rawalpindi on Aug 7.

He said heavy taxes on petrol and the petroleum levy were an injustice to the people, adding that JI’s protest movement against inflation, unemployment, and mismanagement would continue.

Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2026