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Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Ameer Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has strongly criticized the government’s taxation and energy policies, accusing authorities of placing an unbearable financial burden on ordinary citizens. Addressing participants at a sit-in in Lahore, Hafiz Naeem said people were being economically crushed in the name of petroleum levies, describing the frequent increases in fuel costs as “petrol bombs” being dropped on the public. He said the government attributed rising petroleum prices to higher rates in the international market and argued that importing refined petroleum products had become increasingly expensive. However, he maintained that the resulting burden was ultimately transferred to consumers. The JI chief also criticized the condition of Pakistan’s oil-refining sector, saying successive governments had failed to modernize and upgrade refineries. He pointed out that motorcycle users and other ordinary consumers were also paying petroleum levies, while higher petrol prices eventually pushed up the cost of everyday goods. Hafiz Naeem described the petroleum levy as a form of taxation and argued that the existing system had little connection with the welfare of ordinary people. He also criticized the country’s electricity pricing structure, claiming that consumers were being charged heavily despite relatively low generation costs. He further warned that once an effective judicial system was established, those responsible for governance and financial decisions would face scrutiny. He said audits and trials would reveal the assets and financial dealings of those involved. Hafiz Naeem emphasized that the ongoing sit-in was not aimed at advancing the interests of any individual or political personality. He said the movement was being organized to raise the grievances of the public and demand relief from mounting economic pressures.

  The United Madaris Council has clarified that the recent statement made by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman reflects only the political position of his party and should not be regarded as the stance of the council. In an official statement, the United Madaris Council emphasized that Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s remarks represent his personal and political viewpoint as the leader of his political party. The council stressed that it does not endorse or represent the views expressed in his statement and should not be associated with them. Council spokesperson Mir Asif Akbar Qadri stated that the United Madaris Council does not speak on behalf of any political party and remains an independent platform representing religious seminaries. He reiterated that the council’s primary focus is on educational, religious, and social matters concerning madaris rather than political affairs. The spokesperson further said that the sacrifices made by the martyrs and veterans of the Pakistan Armed Forces are a source of national pride and respect. He described the country’s martyrs and decorated military personnel as national heroes whose courage and dedication have played a vital role in safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and security. Mir Asif Akbar Qadri added that any negative narrative against the sacrifices of the martyrs is unacceptable. He stressed that honoring those who laid down their lives in defense of the country is a collective national responsibility and that their services should always be acknowledged with dignity and respect. The United Madaris Council also rejected any attempts to associate religious seminaries, mosques, scholars, or students with activities that are considered anti-state. According to the spokesperson, madaris and religious institutions have no connection with actions that undermine the interests of the state or threaten national stability. He explained that religious seminaries across Pakistan are dedicated to providing Islamic education, promoting moral values, and serving society through peaceful means. The council believes that these institutions play an important role in educating students, strengthening ethical values, and fostering religious harmony. The spokesperson also expressed concern over the use of the names of madaris, mosques, religious scholars, and students in political campaigns or partisan debates. He stated that involving religious institutions in political controversies is unfair and creates unnecessary misunderstandings about their role in society. According to the council, religious seminaries should not be drawn into political disputes, as doing so can damage their reputation and distract them from their educational and religious responsibilities. The organization urged all political stakeholders to avoid using the names of religious institutions to advance political narratives. The statement reaffirmed that the United Madaris Council remains committed to promoting peace, unity, religious education, and national harmony. It also reiterated its support for the rule of law, constitutional values, and the stability of Pakistan. The council concluded by emphasizing that while individuals and political parties are free to express their own opinions, those views should not be attributed to religious institutions or the United Madaris Council unless officially endorsed. It called for responsible public discourse and urged all segments of society to work together for national unity, mutual respect, and the country’s continued peace and progress.