JI announces rallies against petroleum levy

Hafiz Naeem urges government to provide tax relief

LAHORE:

JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has asked the PML-N federal government to stop evading his party's demand for the withdrawal of heavy taxes and levies on petroleum products, while announcing a schedule of protest rallies for the coming weeks.

Addressing the gathering of JI members at Mansoorah on Sunday, Hafiz Naeem said the government would face stiff resistance from the party if it did not address the levy's issue.

The JI has been running a campaign against what it describes as the unjustified imposition of a levy on petroleum products for several months.

In October, the party started a train march to Islamabad but suspended the protest after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured the JI chief that the government would take measures to reduce the levy and the burden on common people.

Later on October 27, Shehbaz also met Hafiz Naeem in Islamabad and agreed to form a six-member committee to finalise recommendations on expanding the existing petrol relief scheme and preparing proposals for a phased reduction in the petroleum levy.

Talking with reference to the party's negotiation with the government, he said the JI had presented the final draft of its demands regarding the petroleum levy and other taxes to the government.

"Now the government must provide real relief to the people," he added.

Hafiz Naeem urged the government not to drag its feet on the issue, adding that the party would not back out and pursue the government until resolution of the issue.

The party chief also announced that the JI would hold rallies in Quetta, Lahore and Karachi, respectively on November 22, November 29 and December 20 keep up pressure on the government.

The JI chief stated that even after the issue is resolved, the party would continue its struggle for cheaper LPG, a uniform education system, the rights of farmers and inflation.