Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman criticizes government on petrol, LPG and tax policy and announces continuation of public protests

Lahore: Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has criticised the government’s economic and energy-related policies and said that Jamaat-e-Islami will continue to highlight public issues and will also launch a protest movement if necessary.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, he said that motorcycles are the most widely used vehicle for daily transportation in the country, therefore, taxes imposed on fuel have a direct impact on ordinary citizens, laborers, students and the middle class. He claimed that consumers are paying heavy taxes in different amounts on every liter of petrol.

Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman also expressed reservations over LPG prices and said that due to gas supply problems, a large number of citizens are forced to use LPG. According to him, there is a significant difference between the official rates and the prices charged in the market, which is putting an additional financial burden on the consumers. He demanded that the relevant institutions ensure effective monitoring of prices.

He said that if the people do not raise their voices about their economic problems, then price reduction or other relief measures will not come. He was of the view that the recent decline in the prices of petroleum products is a result of public pressure, while the government should give first priority to the public interest in determining prices.

The Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami also criticised the tax system, saying that the burden of taxes is being mostly placed on the salaried and middle class, while according to him, there is a need to further widen the tax net and include all taxable sectors equally.

He said that if the tax-collecting institutions discharge their responsibilities effectively and reforms are brought in the revenue system, the need to impose additional taxes on the common citizens may be reduced.

Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman also questioned the use of the Petroleum Development Levy, saying that the funds received under this heading should be used for the purposes for which they are collected. According to him, it is the responsibility of the government to improve the energy sector and provide relief to the people.

He stressed that the Jamaat-e-Islami will continue its political and public struggle against inflation, tax burden and rising prices of basic necessities. However, there was no immediate reaction from the government to Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman’s statements.