March Arrives in Multan
Jamaat e Islami’s Super Train Long March against the petroleum levy reached Multan late Monday night after travelling from Karachi through Sindh. JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman addressed supporters at the railway station after the train arrived, while the party prepared for the next stage of its protest towards Islamabad.
Supporters Gather at Railway Station
A large number of JI supporters gathered at Multan railway station to welcome the march. Hafiz Naeem said the train had been delayed by around four hours, but the delay did not prevent supporters from turning up. The march had earlier travelled from Karachi to Sukkur before continuing towards Multan.
Petroleum Levy Remains Main Demand
The protest is focused on the petroleum levy, which JI is demanding the government withdraw. Hafiz Naeem has also called for relief from rising prices and highlighted concerns over the cost of essential commodities, including wheat, flour, and sugar. The party says its campaign is aimed at raising issues affecting ordinary citizens.
March Set to Continue Towards Lahore
After reaching Multan, the JI caravan is expected to continue towards Lahore by road before moving towards Islamabad. The party had announced the Karachi train march as the first phase of a wider mobilization involving participants from different parts of the country.
Prime Minister Offers Talks
The development comes as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif contacted Hafiz Naeem and asked the JI leader to postpone the Islamabad march until his return to Pakistan. According to the JI spokesperson, the prime minister also offered meaningful talks on the petroleum levy. Hafiz Naeem said the party would consult its Shura before responding to the request.
JI Plans Next Phase of Protest
Hafiz Naeem said the party did not want a confrontation or a law and order situation but maintained that JI would continue raising public concerns. The party’s next steps will depend on consultations within its leadership as the march moves through Punjab towards Islamabad.
