Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has postponed its planned long march to Islamabad until the first week of October. The decision came after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asked the party to delay the protest.
JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman announced the decision in Multan on Tuesday, September 22. The party had planned the long march as part of its campaign against the petroleum levy and high fuel prices.
The JI protest caravan had already reached Multan after travelling from Karachi. However, the planned march towards Islamabad has now been temporarily postponed.
PM Shehbaz Speaks to Hafiz Naeem
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif contacted Hafiz Naeemur Rehman by phone while he was in the United States. During the call, the prime minister requested that JI postpone its long march.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz Sharif and Hafiz Naeem agreed to meet after the prime minister returns to Pakistan. They will discuss the petroleum levy and related public concerns.
Hafiz Naeem said JI considered the request after consulting its leadership. He added that the party would seek written assurances from the government about relief for the public.
JI Protest Campaign Continues
The postponement does not mean that JI has ended its protest campaign. The party plans to continue its sit-ins and protest camps in different cities.
Hafiz Naeem said the JI protest camp in Multan would also continue. According to the party, sit-ins are currently being held in 42 cities.
JI has been demanding the withdrawal of the petroleum levy. The party says high fuel costs are increasing financial pressure on households and contributing to higher prices for essential goods.
The party has also held several rounds of talks with government representatives. However, JI says the relief offered so far does not meet its demands.
Long March May Resume in October
The postponement gives the government more time to discuss the issue with JI leadership. Hafiz Naeem said the party would review the situation after meeting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
If the talks fail to provide the requested relief, JI has indicated that its long march could resume in the first week of October.
For now, the JI protest caravan remains in Multan, while protest camps continue in other cities. The next major development is expected after Shehbaz Sharif returns to Pakistan and meets the JI leadership.
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