LAHORE: Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) spokesperson Dr Muzammil Iqbal Hashmi has announced support for Jamaat-e-Islami’s call for a nationwide strike on September 3, saying rising petrol prices, prolonged power outages and excessive taxation have made life increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens.
Addressing participants of Jamaat-e-Islami’s sit-in on Mall Road, Lahore, Dr Hashmi said the government had imposed such a heavy tax burden that even basic household items were becoming increasingly expensive. Farmers, workers and salaried people, he said, were already paying multiple taxes while facing rising electricity and fuel costs.
He said the decision by Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman to mobilise the public against these issues was justified. “The PMML stands with the people and will continue to raise its voice for their rights,” he said.
Dr Hashmi questioned the use of public borrowing, saying Pakistan’s debt had increased sharply over the years. He asked the government to explain how borrowed funds had been spent and what tangible public facilities had been created with the money.
He also criticised the country’s interest-based economic system, saying the rising debt burden and interest payments were placing further pressure on the national economy.
The spokesperson demanded withdrawal of excessive taxes, including the petroleum levy, a reduction in petrol prices, lower electricity tariffs and an end to unnecessary taxation.
He said the PMML would continue to raise the people’s issues and would not remain silent over policies that increased the financial burden on ordinary citizens.
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