jamaateislami announces nationwide
| |

Jamaat-e-Islami announces nationwide protest again…

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman has announced a nationwide protest against the petroleum levy on Friday, August 7, urging citizens across Pakistan to participate in what he described as a decisive demonstration against rising fuel taxes and worsening economic conditions.

According to a statement issued from the party’s headquarters in Mansoorah, preparations for the nationwide campaign have entered their final phase. Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and workers are actively engaging with communities through corner meetings, public awareness campaigns, and outreach efforts aimed at mobilizing citizens for the protest.

Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman said the demonstrations are not driven by political interests but are intended to represent the concerns of ordinary Pakistanis struggling with inflation, unemployment, and what he called an unbearable tax burden. He maintained that the movement seeks economic relief for the public rather than political gain.

The JI chief announced that he will address a women’s protest rally on August 6 at Wahdat Road in Lahore, organized by the party’s women’s wing. He said women would also raise their voices against government economic policies and support the campaign demanding relief from rising living costs.

Appealing directly to the country’s youth, Hafiz Naeem urged motorcyclists to join the demonstrations on August 7 and participate peacefully. He stated that protesters would stage sit-ins on major highways and temporarily block roads connecting districts to press the government to address public demands. However, he emphasized that emergency vehicles, including ambulances and rescue services, would be allowed to pass without obstruction.

The Jamaat-e-Islami leader also warned the government against interfering with citizens’ constitutional and democratic right to peaceful protest. He said any attempt to suppress the demonstrations would be the responsibility of the authorities.

Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman called on the government to immediately abolish the petroleum levy, review expensive agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), eliminate electricity load-shedding, and implement effective measures to control inflation. He added that the party’s peaceful protest movement would continue until what he described as unjust economic policies are reversed.

The planned demonstrations are expected to take place across multiple cities and districts, making them one of Jamaat-e-Islami’s largest nationwide protest campaigns focused on economic issues and public relief in recent months.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Dallas conference backs UN-led Kashmir settlement

    DALLAS: A conference in Dallas, Texas, has called for a peaceful and lasting settlement of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions. The conference was organised by Friends of Kashmir to mark the anniversary of India’s 2019 decision to revoke the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir. Members of the Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora, community leaders and representatives of Sikhs for Justice attended the event. Pakistan’s Consul General in Houston, Aftab Chaudhry, was the chief guest. Friends of Kashmir International Chairperson Ghazala Habib presided over the gathering. Speakers expressed solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). They also voiced concerns about the situation in the region following the revocation of Article 370 and Article 35A. Addressing the participants, Chaudhry said Pakistan would continue providing diplomatic, political and moral support to the Kashmiri people. He said India’s decision to revoke the region’s special status had added further complexity to the long-running Kashmir dispute. Ghazala Habib urged the international community to pay greater attention to the concerns and rights of Kashmiris. She also highlighted cooperation between Kashmiri and Sikh communities in raising issues related to justice and human rights. Other speakers, including Aftab Siddiqui, Syed Fayaz Hasan, Ghulam Jahangra and Dr Fareeha Qazi, called for stronger international efforts to address the Kashmir dispute through peaceful means. Gurvinder Singh, who represented the Sikh community, stressed the importance of involving younger generations in campaigns focused on justice and human rights. At the conclusion of the conference, participants adopted a resolution calling for an internationally supported and peaceful settlement of the Kashmir issue in line with relevant UN resolutions. The resolution also urged the international community to help protect the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people and maintain attention on the disputed region.

  • | |

    Government cuts petrol price by Rs3.19, diesel by …

    The federal government has announced a reduction in petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) prices for August 7, providing limited relief to consumers amid continued fluctuations in international oil markets. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum, petrol prices have been reduced by Rs3.19 per litre, bringing the new price to Rs329.82 per litre. Meanwhile, the price of high-speed diesel has been lowered by Rs1.50 per litre and will now be available at Rs382.36 per litre. The latest adjustment comes just one day after the government increased petrol prices by Rs4.45 per litre while reducing HSD prices by Rs2 per litre for August 6. The frequent revisions reflect the country’s newly introduced fuel pricing mechanism, which allows daily adjustments based on international market movements. The government introduced the daily fuel price review system on July 17 in response to volatility in global oil prices following renewed tensions in the Middle East. Under the new mechanism, domestic fuel prices are calculated using a seven-day average of international petroleum rates in line with global pricing practices. Pakistan remains highly dependent on imported petroleum products, making domestic fuel prices vulnerable to changes in international crude oil markets. According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2024-25, petroleum products represent one of the country’s largest import categories. Any rise in global oil prices increases Pakistan’s import bill, puts pressure on foreign exchange reserves, and contributes to inflation. In previous years, fuel prices were managed through government subsidies and administrative controls. While such measures provided short-term relief for consumers, they also increased financial pressure on the national budget, oil marketing companies, and refineries. Higher subsidies contributed to fiscal challenges and increased public borrowing. Global factors continue to influence oil prices, including decisions by oil-producing nations, conflicts in energy-producing regions, sanctions, and disruptions in major shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. International crude prices recently moved higher after reports that an Iranian parliamentary committee was considering measures affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude futures increased by more than $3 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures also recorded gains. Market analysts said traders remain focused on geopolitical developments and negotiations involving major oil-producing countries. Since a significant portion of global energy supplies previously moved through the Strait of Hormuz, any disruption in the route could immediately affect crude prices and fuel costs worldwide. The latest reduction in Pakistan’s fuel prices is expected to offer temporary relief to motorists and businesses, although future adjustments will continue to depend on international oil market trends.

  • | |

    Population boom demands governance reset: DG ISPR

    Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Friday said Pakistan’s rapid population growth requires a serious review of the country’s governance and administrative structure to ensure it continues to meet the nation’s needs. Speaking at a news conference, the military spokesperson noted that Pakistan’s population had increased from around 70 to 80 million in 1972 to nearly 250 million today, while the country’s administrative framework had largely remained unchanged. He said such a significant rise in population made it necessary to assess whether the existing system was still capable of delivering effective governance and public services. The DG ISPR stressed that improving governance was essential for national security and stability, adding that unresolved issues indicated the need for reforms. However, he emphasized that any changes to the administrative structure must be introduced through constitutional and democratic processes. He said the decision on governance reforms or administrative restructuring should reflect the aspirations of the people rather than individual opinions. Lt Gen Chaudhry also highlighted that Pakistan’s youth now make up the largest segment of the population and urged political leaders to focus on improving governance while guiding the public through constructive political dialogue. He reiterated that lasting solutions to the country’s governance challenges could only be achieved through constitutional means and in accordance with the will of the people.

  • | | |

    Wheat imports spark farmer anger

    The federal government’s decision to import one million tonnes of wheat has sparked strong criticism from farmers and agricultural experts. The move has raised concerns about Pakistan’s food policy and the country’s continued dependence on imported grain despite being a major wheat producer. Pakistan produces around 31 million tonnes of wheat annually. The crop covers nearly 40 per cent of the country’s cultivated area and remains a major part of the daily diet of millions of people. Punjab is the country’s largest wheat-producing province and contributes almost three-fourths of national production. Farmers and experts say the issue is not simply about wheat availability. They believe repeated imports are linked to weak planning, inaccurate crop estimates, poor storage facilities, post-harvest losses and inconsistent government policies. Population growth and changing weather patterns have also increased pressure on the wheat supply chain. Farmer organisations have strongly opposed the import decision. They say local growers are still struggling to sell their recently harvested wheat. Many farmers claim they are receiving prices below their production costs after spending heavily on seeds, fertiliser, pesticides, diesel and electricity. Growers fear that imported wheat could further reduce local prices. They argue that the government should first ensure that locally produced wheat is purchased at fair rates before turning to international markets. The controversy has also highlighted changes in Pakistan’s wheat procurement system. Under wider economic reforms linked to the International Monetary Fund programme, successive governments have reduced state intervention in agricultural markets. The aim is to limit government losses and encourage greater private-sector participation. The IMF has not directly ordered Pakistan to stop purchasing wheat from farmers. However, governments have moved away from the traditional procurement and support price system. Provincial authorities have also reduced wheat purchases, leaving farmers increasingly dependent on private traders. Farmers say the transition has not been properly managed. They argue that private buyers now have greater influence over prices because of weak market regulation. This has forced some growers to sell their wheat below production costs.

  • |

    Anurag Kashyap’s T-shirt steals spotlight at dinner party

    Indian filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recently found himself at the centre of online attention after a casual dinner outing with filmmaker Imtiaz Ali and a group of friends. While the gathering brought together two well-known names from the Indian film industry, it was Kashyap’s unusual T-shirt that quickly became the main talking point on social media. Kashyap shared several pictures from the dinner on social media, giving fans a glimpse of the gathering. Alongside the photographs, he joked that although it was supposed to be a family dinner, his T-shirt ended up attracting more attention than anything else. The red T-shirt featured the words “dimagi nakal” prominently, followed by the phrase “been into this since my school days”. The unusual wording immediately caught the attention of social media users, particularly because it appeared to be a playful reference to the phrase “dimagi naxals”, which has recently featured in political discussions in India. Kashyap’s humorous choice of clothing quickly prompted a variety of reactions. Some users appreciated the filmmaker’s sense of humour and found the design amusing, while others were impressed enough to suggest that the T-shirt should be made available as merchandise. One social media user expressed admiration for the design and proudly referred to themselves as a “dimagi nakal”. Another directly encouraged Kashyap to consider launching merchandise featuring the slogan. Beyond the T-shirt, the dinner pictures also generated excitement because of Kashyap’s meeting with Imtiaz Ali. Fans were delighted to see the two acclaimed filmmakers together and filled the comments section with reactions to their reunion. The reference behind the T-shirt gained additional significance because the phrase “dimagi naxal” had recently become part of a political conversation following remarks made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech. The comment prompted reactions and debate across political and social circles. Meanwhile, Kashyap remains busy with several projects across the Indian film industry. He has been involved in directing, producing and acting in a number of films. His recent directorial work includes Nishaanchi, while he has also been associated with projects such as Bad Girl, Bandar and the Kannada film Vaghachipani. As an actor, Kashyap is also set to appear in the Telugu film Dacoit: A Love Story. Known for his distinctive filmmaking style and outspoken personality, he frequently attracts attention both for his creative work and his candid presence on social media.

  • |

    Mustafa Kamal calls for more administrative units

    MULTAN:Federal Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal has once again called for the creation of additional administrative units in Pakistan, arguing that the country’s existing governance structure is no longer capable of effectively addressing its growing challenges. Speaking at a ceremony in Multan, Kamal said Pakistan currently operates through a federal government and four provinces, but the system needs major restructuring to improve governance and service delivery. He said Pakistan is larger than around 180 countries in terms of population and administrative needs, making it necessary to consider creating more administrative units to ensure better management and development. Reflecting on his political career, Kamal said he became Karachi’s mayor 21 years ago and was elected as a member of the provincial assembly 12 years ago. He added that political leaders often remain caught up in a continuous race without fully understanding whether the existing system is delivering the desired results. The federal minister also focused on the country’s healthcare challenges, saying that simply constructing more hospitals would not solve Pakistan’s health crisis. He pointed out that hospitals across the country remain overcrowded, while the government must focus more on preventive healthcare and improving public health infrastructure. Kamal said effective healthcare begins with measures such as ensuring adequate gaps between births and completing childhood vaccination schedules. He warned that a large number of children remain vulnerable to waterborne diseases due to inadequate sanitation and unsafe water supplies. He also highlighted the lack of an effective sewage treatment system in Pakistan, saying poor sanitation continues to contribute to the spread of preventable diseases. He stressed the need to address the root causes of health problems instead of relying solely on hospitals and medicines after people fall ill. Discussing population growth and maternal health, Kamal said Pakistan’s birth rate stands at around 3.5 percent, while the population growth rate is approximately 2.5 percent. He claimed that around 11,000 mothers die every year in the country, describing the situation as a serious public health concern. The minister said Pakistan also faces a major shortage of trained nurses. According to him, the country needs around 900,000 nurses, while international demand for Pakistani-trained nursing professionals could reach 2.5 million. He said the government should focus on developing professional skills so that trained workers can contribute to the national economy and earn valuable foreign exchange for the country. Kamal also addressed concerns surrounding medicine prices and availability. He clarified that the federal health minister alone does not have the authority to decide whether medicine prices should increase or decrease. He said the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has deregulated the prices of certain medicines, while decisions regarding price reductions fall within the broader domain of the federal cabinet. He added that a cabinet committee is currently examining the issue of reducing medicine prices. The minister further pointed out that although Pakistan manufactures a large number of medicines locally, the pharmaceutical industry still relies heavily on imported active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). He said shortages of some medicines have also created difficulties for patients, with certain drugs disappearing from the regular market and becoming available through agents at significantly higher prices. Kamal’s remarks came a day after Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also called for the creation of new administrative units, describing such reforms as essential for the country’s development. Addressing an event in Islamabad, Naqvi reportedly said the existing system had failed to deliver effectively and argued that new administrative units or provinces could provide a way forward. The repeated calls from senior federal ministers for additional administrative units have renewed debate over whether Pakistan needs a major restructuring of its administrative and governance framework to improve public service delivery, strengthen local administration and address the growing demands of its expanding population.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *