Lahore: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has called for the immediate abolition of the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL), criticising the government’s energy pricing mechanism and rising financial burden on citizens.
According to Beyond Time News, the JI leader raised these concerns while speaking to media representatives in Lahore on Saturday. He argued that frequent adjustments in petroleum prices have effectively turned weekly fuel announcements into a form of “daily budget impact” on households.
Criticism of Petroleum Pricing System
Hafiz Naeem said the government continues to impose the Petroleum Development Levy despite regularly revising fuel prices every Friday. He claimed this approach has created uncertainty for consumers already struggling with inflation.
He further stated that the levy places an additional burden on the public and questioned its structure and purpose. According to him, the system has remained unchanged for years and has contributed significantly to rising costs of living.
Claims Over Revenue and Economic Burden
The JI chief said the Petroleum Development Levy generates a massive amount of revenue each year. He claimed that trillions of rupees have been collected from citizens since its introduction.
He also argued that successive governments have continued to rely on the levy since 2001, making it a long-standing feature of Pakistan’s taxation and energy pricing framework.
Hafiz Naeem said the funds collected through the levy are not managed in a transparent manner and insisted that the mechanism should be reviewed.
Call for Broader Price Stability
The JI leader also demanded that petroleum, electricity, and gas prices be fixed for at least three years. He said frequent changes in utility prices create instability for households and businesses.
He argued that predictable pricing would help citizens plan their monthly budgets more effectively and reduce economic pressure on low and middle-income groups.
Demand for Salary and Tax Relief
Hafiz Naeem also focused on the challenges faced by salaried individuals. He said employees face heavy deductions despite already struggling with rising inflation.
He demanded that the government increase income tax relief for individuals earning up to Rs125,000 per month. According to him, this step would provide meaningful support to the working class.
Warning Over Rising Tax Pressure
The JI chief warned that further increases in taxes could negatively impact Pakistan’s economy. He said excessive taxation reduces purchasing power and places additional strain on ordinary citizens.
He also said the government must reconsider its fiscal policies to avoid worsening financial difficulties for households across the country.
Read more:Hafiz Naeem Demands Removal of Petroleum Levy, Calls for Fuel Price Cut
Political Response and Possible Protest Plans
Hafiz Naeem stated that Jamaat-e-Islami is consulting on the possibility of launching protest actions, including a wheel jam strike. However, he added that a final decision would depend on the government’s response to their demands.
He urged authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue and consider policy reforms aimed at reducing economic pressure on the public.
Growing Debate on Energy Prices
The remarks come amid ongoing public debate over fuel prices, taxation, and inflation in Pakistan. Energy costs remain one of the most sensitive economic issues, directly affecting transport, food prices, and overall household budgets.
Policy analysts believe discussions around petroleum levies and taxation are likely to continue as the government prepares future fiscal measures.
FAQs
What did Hafiz Naeem demand regarding the Petroleum Development Levy?
He called for the abolition of the Petroleum Development Levy, saying it places an unnecessary burden on citizens.
What is the PDL?
The Petroleum Development Levy is a government charge applied to fuel prices to generate revenue.
What other demands did he make?
He demanded fixed prices for petroleum, electricity, and gas for three years, along with income tax relief for salaried individuals.
Did he announce any protests?
He said Jamaat-e-Islami is considering a wheel jam strike but will decide after consulting party leadership.
Why is this issue significant?
Fuel prices and taxation directly affect inflation, transport costs, and household expenses, making it a major public concern in Pakistan.
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