LAHORE – Emir Jamaat-e-Islami, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, on Sunday termed the government’s reliance on petroleum levy as “the worst form of oppression”, revealing that Rs 1,234 billion was collected from July to April.
Through a statement on social media, the JI chief shared data indicating that the levy collection has seen a massive 400% spike compared to the previous year. He expressed grave concern over the “indiscriminate” nature of the tax, which affects students and daily-wage bike riders who struggle to make ends meet.
“The government has collected Rs 180 billion in just six weeks of war through this levy. It is time to stop this exploitation and bring petrol prices down to Rs 250 per liter.” — Hafiz Naeemur Rehman
Economic Impact: Hafiz Naeem argued that the levy is being used to fill fiscal gaps at the expense of the poor, rather than reflecting international market dynamics. He urged the authorities to reconsider the tax structure, which he believes is crushing the purchasing power of the middle and lower classes.
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