JI's protest over fuel price rise continues nationwide

The Jamaat-e-Islami's (JI) nationwide protest against the increase in petroleum product prices and the petroleum levy continued in Lahore on Friday, alongside demonstrations in other cities across Pakistan.

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman told participants at the sit-in that no ambulance had been denied passage during the protest. He said people had gathered because they were burdened by rising inflation.

He said that when petroleum prices began to fall in the international market, the government instead increased local prices. He added that taxes continued to rise after the increase in petroleum product prices.

Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman said the protest would continue. He asked participants whether they were prepared to remain at the protest if instructed to do so.

Traffic remained suspended on Ferozepur Road, Jail Road, Litton Road, Bahawalpur Road and Queens Road because of the demonstration. A heavy police presence was deployed around Qurtaba Chowk, where strict security arrangements were in place.

According to Jamaat-e-Islami, the protests are also being held on 510 roads across 170 districts nationwide.

The party said Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman was due to arrive at Qurtaba Chowk later to join the protest and address participants.