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  Islamabad: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has called on the government to focus on resolving the problems faced by the people instead of relying solely on the use of force to establish the writ of the state. He made these remarks in a statement criticizing the government’s economic policies and its handling of public affairs. According to Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, a state’s authority cannot be maintained through coercive measures alone. He argued that the government should prioritize addressing the everyday concerns of citizens, including rising inflation, unemployment, and the increasing cost of essential services. He said that public trust is strengthened when governments respond to people’s needs rather than depending on administrative pressure or strict enforcement. The Jamaat-e-Islami leader strongly criticized the government’s electricity policies, alleging that the ruling authorities are placing an unbearable financial burden on the public through high electricity charges. He stated that ordinary citizens are struggling to pay their utility bills at a time when the cost of living continues to rise. According to him, households and businesses alike are being severely affected by expensive electricity tariffs, making it increasingly difficult for many families to manage their monthly expenses. Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman also criticized the government’s fuel taxation policy. Referring to the petroleum levy, he alleged that the government is effectively collecting money from the public in the form of what he described as “extortion.” He argued that increasing fuel-related taxes has a direct impact on transportation costs, which in turn raises the prices of food, consumer goods, and other essential commodities. As a result, he claimed, inflation continues to place additional pressure on the country’s middle- and lower-income groups. In his statement, the Jamaat-e-Islami chief further alleged that both the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) came to power through what he referred to as “Form 47” This phrase has been used by some political parties in Pakistan to allege irregularities in the electoral process. His remarks reflect his party’s political stance regarding the legitimacy of the current governing coalition. Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman maintained that the country’s leadership should focus on providing relief to the public by reducing electricity prices, reviewing taxation policies, and introducing measures that improve the economic conditions of ordinary citizens. He emphasized that sustainable governance depends on public confidence, transparency, and policies that directly benefit the people. The government has previously defended its economic decisions by stating that measures such as electricity pricing and petroleum levies are necessary to meet fiscal requirements and maintain economic stability. However, opposition parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, continue to argue that these policies have placed excessive financial pressure on the public. The latest remarks by Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman come amid ongoing political debate over Pakistan’s economic challenges, rising inflation, and governance. His statement highlights Jamaat-e-Islami’s continued criticism of the government’s economic policies and its call for greater public relief, while also reiterating the party’s political objections regarding the current administration’s mandate.

A potential nationwide disruption to fuel transportation has been temporarily put on hold after Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister agreed to meet representatives of the Oil Tankers Contractors Association following the group’s 72-hour ultimatum. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 27, where both sides are expected to discuss the association’s long-standing demands and explore ways to prevent a countrywide strike. During a joint press conference, leaders of the Pakistan Oil Tankers and Contractors Association said they had repeatedly raised their concerns with the authorities over the past year and a half. They stated that if the government accepts their demands, they will formally announce the decision. However, if negotiations fail, they will unveil their next course of action, which could include a nationwide suspension of oil tanker operations. The association is demanding an immediate end to commercial loading practices and an increase in transportation rates. According to the representatives, oil tanker freight charges have remained unchanged for the past three years despite a sharp rise in operating expenses. They also pointed out that motorway and National Highway Authority (NHA) toll taxes have increased by nearly 180 percent during the same period, making current transport rates financially unsustainable. Association leaders further alleged that despite months of negotiations and official correspondence, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and the Petroleum Division failed to address their concerns, leaving them with no option but to threaten industrial action. The outcome of Monday’s meeting is expected to determine whether the dispute is resolved through dialogue or escalates into a nationwide strike that could affect fuel transportation and supply across the country.