JI-led protest swarms Rawalpindi

KKH blocked at multiple locations as citizens across division protested petroleum levy, inflation

ABBOTABAD/ RAWALPINDI:

Protests against petrol prices and inflation overran Rawalpindi and neighbouring districts as political leaders and citizens spilled onto the streets with slogans, demanding relief.

Nationwide protest sit-ins and blockades across the Karakoram Highway were implemented following the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman's appeal.

JI Punjab chief Dr Tariq Saleem while leading the protests said that locals were protesting against inflation and unfairly high taxes across 475 small and big villages.

Addressing the protest at Liaquat Bagh on Murree Road, Rawalpindi he noted that the increase in petrol prices has had the greatest impact on the working class, students and motorcyclists. "If we were to make a call against inflation taxes, the nation will surround the houses of governors, chief ministers and others. Pakistan was not achieved for a few families, landlords and the elite, but for the people," he said.

The JI leader added that people were worried about how to arrange bread for their family during the period of inflation and unemployment, while the rulers were busy with spending lavishly.

Protesters demanded that rulers should solve the public's problems, otherwise they will face public backlash, rejecting the petroleum levy and taxes. "There has been no significant increase in crude oil prices in the global market, but petrol and diesel are being continuously made expensive in Pakistan, said Dr Tariq Saleem.

The protest leaders also spoke out against the arrest of students and party workers who had joined the protest to speak up for their rights.

Protest in other districts

A massive protest was staged in the Hazara division as well. Sit-ins were held at various locations across the city, while the Karakoram Highway was completely blocked at five different locations.

The Karakoram Highway remained completely closed at different key locations.