PM Shehbaz Proposes Talks with JI as Train March Reaches Multan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif contacted Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Tuesday as the party’s train march against the petroleum levy arrived in Multan, according to a JI spokesperson.

During the call, Prime Minister Shehbaz asked JI to postpone its protest until he returns to the country. He expressed willingness to engage in meaningful discussions about the petroleum levy with the party after his return, the spokesperson said.

Hafiz Naeem responded to the prime minister by stating that JI does not intend to create law and order issues or confront the government. However, he maintained that the party is protesting to highlight public concerns and that the government must respect its right to peaceful protest.

The JI chief indicated that the party’s Shura, the central decision-making body, would be consulted before making a decision about the prime minister's request. He added that even if the march is postponed, the party will not abandon its right to protest.

The train march, which started from Karachi on Sunday, reached Multan late Monday night. Hafiz Naeem addressed supporters at the railway station, mentioning a four-hour train delay but noting strong turnout. He commented that similar support was being demonstrated in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and that the march would proceed through southern Punjab toward central Punjab.

Hafiz Naeem restated the party’s call for the government to withdraw what it views as an unfair tax on petroleum products and criticized government policies on essential commodities. He alleged that influential groups linked to flour and sugar had sway over political parties, and criticized inconsistent policies involving sugar imports and exports. He also referenced previous JI campaigns involving agreements with independent power producers.

Following Multan, the JI’s caravan is expected to continue to Lahore before its final phase to Islamabad, as part of nationwide protests against the petroleum levy.