KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi chief Monem Zafar has said that the groundwork for a successful shutdown strike in Karachi on September 3 has been laid, as the party continues its protest campaign against the petroleum levy, taxation and rising inflation.
Addressing a press conference at the JI protest camp outside the Sindh Governor House, Monem Zafar said the ongoing sit-ins represented the voice of ordinary citizens and claimed that growing taxes and levies were placing an increasing financial burden on households.
JI Calls for September 3 Shutdown
The Jamaat-e-Islami has called for a nationwide shutter-down strike on September 3, with traders and market associations in Karachi expressing support for the call. The strike is being organised primarily against the petroleum levy, excessive taxation and other economic pressures facing the public.
Monem Zafar said the participation of traders and business groups would be important for making the strike successful. A traders’ convention was also scheduled to be held outside the Governor House, where JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman was expected to address participants.
Criticism Over Petroleum Levy
A major point raised by the JI leader was the petroleum levy. Monem Zafar claimed that consumers were effectively paying around Rs130 per litre in taxes and levies on petrol, adding to the financial difficulties faced by ordinary families.
He argued that rising fuel costs were affecting household budgets as well as the prices of essential goods and transportation.
According to Zafar, the government should reduce the financial burden on citizens instead of imposing additional taxes and levies.
Karachi’s Civic Problems Also Highlighted
The JI Karachi chief also raised several long-standing problems facing the city, including water shortages, electricity issues, street crime and deteriorating infrastructure.
He argued that Karachi generates a significant share of the country’s revenue but continues to face serious civic problems and prolonged power outages in several areas. He also called for a stronger local government system and greater devolution of powers to the grassroots level.
Federal Government Reaches Out to JI
Meanwhile, the federal government has reportedly contacted JI leadership over the ongoing protests.
According to sources cited by ARY News, federal ministers have reached out to JI Deputy Chief Liaquat Baloch, with a three-member government committee reportedly willing to visit the protest site or hold negotiations at another location. The JI has sought a 24-hour period to respond to the government’s offer.
Talks could reportedly take place in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore or another mutually agreed location.
Strike Could Bring Karachi to a Standstill
Monem Zafar warned that a complete shutdown of Karachi would have wider economic consequences because of the city’s importance to the national economy.
The JI leader said the party was determined to continue its campaign until the concerns of ordinary citizens were addressed.
With traders backing the September 3 call and negotiations with the federal government still being considered, attention is now focused on whether the planned strike will result in a complete shutdown across Karachi and how the government responds to the JI’s demands.
