BAJAUR The local leadership of Jamaat-i- Islami (JI) has announced a two-hour “vehicle jam strike” on August 7 as part of the party’s nationwide protest against the recent hike in petroleum prices and the imposition of heavy levy on fuel products.
Addressing a press conference at the Bajaur Press Club in Khar the other day, JI district emir Sahibzada Haroon Rashid said that in line with the central leadership’s directive the Bajaur-Peshawar Road along the Bajaur Sports Complex Khar would be blocked for all vehicular traffic from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on August 7.
“As per the decision of the party’s central leadership to block main roads in every district on August 7, we will keep the Bajaur-Peshawar Highway closed for two hours. All vehicles will be parked with engines switched off, and a large gathering will be held against the government’s anti-people policies,” Mr Rashid said.
Accompanied by several senior JI leaders and office-bearers, the JI leader mentioned that similar protests would be held across Malakand division.
Mr Rashid said the strike was also aimed at protesting the extension of federal taxes to Malakand division and the tribal districts.
He termed the move unjust and said it would further burden millions of residents who were already suffering due to prolonged unrest and underdevelopment.
He said raising voice against the deteriorating law and order situation and public hardships would also be part of the protest.
The JI leaders expressed serious concern over the district administration’s recent ban on trade, storage and transportation of fertilizers in Bajaur, implemented on the instructions of the Home and Tribal Affairs Department a couple of days ago.
Terming the decision “unjustified and anti-farmer,” they said it would severely affect the agriculture sector, as about 80 percent of the district’s population depends on it.
Responding to a question about transporters’ support for the strike, Mr Rashid said a committee has been formed to meet leaders of transport associations from today (Sunday).
Published in Dawn, August 3rd, 2026