SHANGLA: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Shangla staged a protest sit-in in Puran Aloch against the petroleum levy, rising fuel prices, high electricity costs and the imposition of taxes in Malakand Division.
JI workers, local elders and residents participated in the demonstration and called on the government to provide relief from inflation and what they described as growing financial pressure on households.
Addressing the protesters, Jamaat-e-Islami Khyber Pakhtunkhwa North General Secretary Muhammad Haleem Bacha said repeated increases in petroleum product prices were adding to the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens.
He urged the government to take practical measures to control inflation and reduce the cost of essential commodities rather than imposing additional financial burdens on the public.
Bacha said petroleum levies and other taxes have a direct impact on household expenses. According to him, higher petrol and diesel prices increase transportation costs and contribute to higher prices for food, construction materials, agricultural products and other essential goods.
Speakers at the protest said residents of Malakand Division already face geographic challenges, limited employment opportunities and inadequate basic facilities. They argued that introducing additional taxes without considering local conditions would further increase economic pressure on residents.
The protesters called for a review of the taxation issue in light of the region’s economic circumstances and local conditions.
The gathering also raised concerns over electricity tariffs and prolonged load-shedding. Speakers said consumers were facing high electricity bills despite increases in electricity rates, while uninterrupted power supply remained a challenge.
They called for measures to reduce electricity tariffs and improve power supply in Shangla and other upper areas of the region.
JI leaders said inflation, unemployment, high electricity bills and rising daily expenses had already placed significant pressure on households, with increases in fuel prices adding to those difficulties.
The protesters demanded a reduction in the petroleum levy, relief in electricity tariffs and a review of taxes imposed in Malakand Division.
Participants chanted slogans in support of their demands and said the protest movement would continue until their concerns were addressed.
The speakers urged the government to respond to the protesters’ demands and address public concerns on a priority basis.