Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Hazara has announced peaceful protests and sit-ins across the Karakoram Highway (KKH) on August 7, calling for lower fuel prices and relief from inflation. The party said the demonstrations will be held at multiple locations across Hazara Division and warned that a larger march toward Islamabad could follow if its demands are not addressed.
The announcement was made by Jamaat-e-Islami Hazara Ameer Abdul Razaq Abbasi during a press conference at the Abbottabad Press Club, held in response to a nationwide protest call by JI Central Ameer Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman.
Protests Planned Across the Karakoram Highway
Abdul Razaq Abbasi said demonstrations will take place at key points along the Karakoram Highway, including Abbottabad, Mansehra, Battagram, Pattan, and Dasu.
According to the party, traders, transporters, lawyers, journalists, students, religious scholars, youth groups, and members of civil society are expected to participate in the protests.
He said the objective is to draw attention to rising inflation and the continued increase in petroleum prices, which the party says have placed additional financial pressure on households.
Jamaat-e-Islami Lists Key Demands
The party called on the government to:
- Reduce the price of petrol to Rs225 per litre.
- Lower the petroleum levy and other taxes on fuel.
- Provide immediate relief in electricity, gas, and fuel prices.
- Take emergency measures to control inflation.
Abdul Razaq Abbasi also urged the government to reduce public spending, withdraw what he described as unnecessary official privileges, and cut administrative expenses.
Warning of Wider Protest Movement
The Jamaat-e-Islami leader said the August 7 demonstrations would remain peaceful and within constitutional limits, with organizers instructed to protect public and private property and maintain traffic discipline.
He added that if the government’s response is not satisfactory, the party will announce the next phase of its campaign, including a public march and possible sit-in in Islamabad.
The demands and claims in this report reflect the position of Jamaat-e-Islami. The government had not publicly responded to the party’s latest announcement at the time of publication.
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