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Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has announced sit-ins outside the chief minister’s residence in Lahore and governors’ houses across the country from August 16, protesting rising petroleum prices and the growing cost of living. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Rehman said the Lahore demonstration would begin at 3pm from Masjid-e-Shuhada and move towards the Chief Minister’s House. He said the protests would continue until the government addressed the party’s demands, including immediate reductions in fuel, electricity and essential commodity prices. Rehman accused the government of collecting Rs1,567 billion through petroleum levies, claiming the amount had exceeded the target set under the International Monetary Fund programme. He said JI would not remain silent while ordinary citizens faced increasing economic pressure. The JI chief warned that any attempt to obstruct the demonstrations could escalate the campaign into a broader movement demanding the government’s removal. He maintained that the party’s previous sit-ins had been peaceful and caused no damage to public or private property. JI has also launched a social media campaign against the petroleum levy, urging citizens to raise their voices against what is described as an unfair financial burden on the public.

ISLAMABAD: Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad on Friday, with the two sides discussing bilateral relations, regional developments and opportunities to expand cooperation in several key areas. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between Pakistan and Norway in counterterrorism, combating illegal immigration, police training and mutual legal assistance. The officials also exchanged views on the security situation in Afghanistan and the activities of banned organisations operating from its territory. Naqvi said Pakistan had adopted a zero-tolerance policy against illegal immigration and highlighted measures taken by the country to curb the issue. He said Pakistan’s efforts had contributed to a 47 per cent decline in illegal immigration to Europe, adding that the European Union had also acknowledged the effectiveness of these measures. The interior minister stressed the importance of expanding legal migration channels as part of efforts to tackle illegal immigration. Discussing Afghanistan, Naqvi said Pakistani security concerns remained linked to the continued use of Afghan territory by militant groups for attacks against Pakistan. He called for stronger international cooperation to eliminate terrorism and said the global community must work collectively to address the threat. During the meeting, Foreign Minister Eide praised Pakistan’s constructive and active efforts to help reduce tensions between the United States and Iran. He also appreciated the contribution of the Pakistani community living in Norway, noting its growing role in politics, healthcare and other sectors. Naqvi described the Norwegian foreign minister’s visit as an important opportunity to further strengthen relations between the two countries and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, the federal interior secretary and other senior officials also attended the meeting. Moreover, A high-level Norwegian delegation led by Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide met Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Thursday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting focused on matters of mutual interest, regional security and Pakistan-Norway bilateral relations. During the meeting, Field Marshal Asim Munir presented Pakistan’s perspective on global peace and regional stability. He stressed the need for greater cooperation and joint efforts to address emerging security challenges. The two sides also discussed the evolving security environment in the region and the importance of strengthening coordination between Pakistan and Norway. The Norwegian foreign minister acknowledged the role of the Pakistan Armed Forces in contributing to regional peace and stability. Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation, particularly in the fields of defence and security. The meeting comes as Pakistan continues to engage with international partners on regional security, peace and broader strategic issues. The discussions with the Norwegian delegation provided an opportunity for both countries to explore avenues for deeper institutional and defence-related engagement. The two sides reaffirmed their resolve to maintain regular engagement and enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.