‘To Hell With You And IMF’: Jamaat-e-Islami Protests Erupt Across Pakistan Over Petrol Levy

Thousands Take To Streets Across Pakistan Over Fuel Levy, Inflation

Thousands of people took to the streets across Pakistan on Friday to protest rising fuel prices, a steep petroleum levy and mounting inflation, disrupting traffic and daily life in several major cities, according to The Express Tribune.

Demonstrations, rallies and sit-ins were reported at more than 500 locations, with protesters blocking major roads and highways in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Abbottabad. Demonstrators carried placards calling for the withdrawal of the petroleum levy and relief from the rising cost of living, while raising slogans against the government’s economic policies.

The protests were organised by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI). Party chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman warned that Friday’s demonstrations were only the beginning of a broader campaign.

Speaking at a sit-in in Lahore, Rehman described the protests as a “trailer” and said the main phase of the movement was yet to start. He announced that the next round of demonstrations would include sit-ins outside the Punjab Chief Minister’s House in Lahore and the Governor Houses in Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta on Sunday, August 9.

He also instructed JI workers to launch a door-to-door mobilisation drive ahead of the planned protests.

JI CHIEF TARGETS GOVERNMENT, IMF

Rehman strongly criticised the government’s economic policies, arguing that the petroleum levy and rising electricity costs had placed an excessive burden on ordinary Pakistanis.

He accused successive governments of failing to provide meaningful relief to citizens while allegedly protecting the interests of powerful groups.

Addressing the government’s argument that IMF conditions prevented it from reducing fuel-related charges, Rehman said, “You claim that the IMF won’t allow this (easing up fuel prices). So to hell with you and your IMF. Stop oppressing the poor, stop oppressing students. We don’t accept this levy,” India Today reported.

The JI chief also warned that the demonstrations could continue for an extended period if the government’s response failed to address the party’s demands. He said the campaign would continue until what the party described as the rights of ordinary citizens were addressed.

FUEL PRICES ADD TO PUBLIC PRESSURE

Pakistan has been facing sustained economic pressure, with high living costs and fuel prices adding to public frustration. Rising petrol prices have also increased transportation expenses and contributed to higher prices for essential goods, intensifying concerns among households already struggling with inflation.