JI Confirms Islamabad March for Mid-November After Talks

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman stated on Tuesday that the party will proceed with its Islamabad long march in mid-November, despite the government asking for an additional seven to 10 days, Geo News reported.

According to Geo News, Hafiz Naeem told reporters after meeting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that preparations and nationwide mobilization for the march will continue alongside ongoing talks. The JI chief asserted that the party would no longer postpone the Islamabad protest, even as discussions with the administration persist.

Geo News reported that the prime minister sought another seven to 10 days, with both sides agreeing that greater relief should be extended on petroleum products. However, significant differences remain regarding the mechanism of delivery. While JI demands the immediate abolition of the petroleum levy, the government maintains that relief should be provided in phases through a gradual elimination of the tax. Hafiz Naeem urged the administration to formulate a concrete mechanism and announce its relief package prior to the commencement of the march.

Background

According to Geo News, the recent meetings follow protests led by JI. The JI chief maintained that the government only reconsidered its position because of public demonstrations on the streets, asserting that the petroleum levy places a disproportionate financial burden on middle and lower-income households. During his media talk, Hafiz Naeem also remarked on the nature of the negotiations, stating that talks must be held with whoever holds power, comparing the situation metaphorically to negotiating during a hijacking.

Why it matters

The standoff highlights the ongoing public debate over fuel taxation and government relief measures. With JI warning that it could intensify protests by sitting on the streets if demands are left unmet, the outcome of these discussions holds direct implications for public mobility, political stability, and the economic relief available to lower- and middle-income families across Pakistan.