Pakistan PM requests JI to postpone Islamabad protest march

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has requested Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman to postpone the party’s upcoming march to Islamabad. The request was made as the JI’s “super train march,” which began in Karachi, reached Multan and Ghotki.

In response to the Prime Minister’s call, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman stated that the party’s previously announced relief package is “not acceptable in any way” and that the movement would continue. The JI is protesting against the petroleum levy, which the party claims has placed a Rs135 billion burden on the public, as well as agreements with independent power producers.

The JI leader noted that the movement is gaining momentum and receiving public support as it moves toward the capital. While the Prime Minister offered to meet with the JI chief upon his return to Pakistan to discuss a better relief package, the JI leadership intends to consult on their future course of action regarding the protest.