LAHORE (Umar Hayat CH): The Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Lahore Ziauddin Ansari Advocate has strongly criticized the government for its economic policies, stating that instead of providing relief on petroleum products, the ruling elite is continuously increasing the financial burden on the common man.He said that the government has pushed ordinary citizens into a deep crisis of inflation, debt, and heavy taxation, making daily life increasingly difficult. He announced that the people of Lahore will stage a strong and organized protest on 22 May against rising fuel prices and unprecedented inflation.These remarks were made while addressing an important organizational meeting of the Lahore chapter held at the Syed Maududi Islamic Center, in connection with preparations for the upcoming protest, following a nationwide call issued by Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman. Ziauddin Ansari Advocate stated that the ruling authorities are using external geopolitical tensions, including the US–Iran situation, as a pretext to impose further inflationary pressure on the public. As a result, he said, ordinary citizens are being deprived of basic necessities, including education for their children and even two meals a day.He emphasized that the current economic policies have severely impacted household incomes, pushing a large segment of society below the poverty line.Criticizing the government’s taxation structure, he said that the petroleum levy is excessive and unjust, and raised concerns regarding its compliance with constitutional principles, parliamentary authority, and fundamental rights.The government is collecting approximately Rs. 117 per litre under petroleum levy alone.With additional taxes included, the total burden rises to around Rs. 150 per litre, which accounts for nearly 60% of the actual fuel price.He termed this situation as an unbearable burden on the public and demanded immediate relief in fuel prices.The JI Lahore Ziauddin Ansari Advocate also criticized the government’s foreign and energy policies, describing them as disconnected from national and public interest.He said that instead of securing cost-effective energy sources, the government is relying on unnecessarily expensive import routes, resulting in higher costs for the public.He pointed out that cheaper petroleum options are available from Russia following the Ukraine conflict, while Iran offers significantly lower prices. He further noted that Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, provide petroleum at competitive rates and also offer deferred payment facilities, yet these options are not being utilized for public relief.Concluding his address Ziauddin Ansari Advocate urged the citizens of Lahore to participate in large numbers in the 22 May protest, calling it a democratic and peaceful movement for economic justice, relief from inflation, and protection of public rights.
