CHARSADDA: Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said here on Friday that his party would continue its protest against rising inflation and high petroleum levy if the government failed to provide relief to the masses.

Addressing a gathering at Farooq Azam Chowk here, he warned that the next phase of negotiations would take place on the streets of Islamabad if the government failed to accept the party’s demands for economic relief.

“If the government is unwilling to provide relief to people and abolish or substantially reduce the petroleum levy, the matter will be taken to the streets of Islamabad,” he said.

He urged the government to present the case for public relief before the International Monetary Fund rather than creating economic hardship for people.

He criticised the ruling elite for maintaining lavish lifestyles and enjoying privileges while ordinary citizens faced increasing difficulties in meeting their basic needs, including electricity, gas, petrol, flour and sugar.

He added that the economic difficulties faced by ordinary citizens could not be reduced without a fair distribution of resources and meaningful cuts in government expenditure. He said rising fuel prices affected not only motorists and motorcyclists but also the wider economy, driving up transportation costs, increasing the prices of food and other essential commodities and adding to the business expenses.

Hafiz Naeem said that the resulting increase in the prices of everyday commodities ultimately placed a heavier burden on low-income households.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2026