Government Must Take the Matter Seriously, or Face Public Backlash: Liaquat Baloch

Speaking at a press conference during the sit-in protest on Lahore’s Mall Road, Jamaat-e-Islami Deputy Emir Liaquat Baloch said the government must take the matter seriously and withdraw what he described as the unjust increase in petrol prices. Baloch said that while international oil prices were one factor, the government should also end unnecessary expenditures and reduce the burden of taxes and levies on the public. He said the increase in petrol prices must be withdrawn. He said another round of talks between the government and Jamaat-e-Islami committees would be held on Thursday, urging the government to show seriousness in addressing the public’s grievances. He warned that continued inflation had made life extremely difficult for ordinary citizens.

Baloch criticized the government’s reliance on the petroleum levy, saying it had effectively become a source of funding for government expenditures and privileges.  He called for an end to unnecessary spending and said that providing relief in electricity, gas and petrol prices would help revive economic activity and employment. He said Jamaat-e-Islami rejected the recent increase in petrol prices, adding that the government should provide immediate relief to the people.

Baloch also said that if the authorities issued a notice ordering the protesters to end the sit-in, Jamaat-e-Islami would approach the courts and present its position. He expressed hope that the courts would adopt a pro-public approach and said peaceful public protests should not be dealt with in a manner that creates a negative attitude toward citizens.He warned that if the government remained rigid in its position, Jamaat-e-Islami could consider further options, including a train march, a long march and a wheel-jam strike.

Baloch urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take practical measures to reduce petrol prices and provide relief from the rising cost of living. He said the government should not underestimate public anger and should take immediate steps to address the people’s economic difficulties.