Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman Announces Preparations for Long March, Says Jamaat-e-Islami Will Head to Islamabad

Jamaat-e-Islami chief criticises government over petroleum levy, inflation, wheat crisis and gas shortages; raises concerns over Karachi’s local government mandate

KARACHI, October 23, 2026: Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan chief Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman has announced that his party is preparing for a long march to Islamabad to highlight public grievances and demand action on key economic and governance issues.

According to Daily Jang, Hafiz Naeem made the remarks while addressing the inauguration ceremony of a model school in Karachi’s Godhra Colony. He criticised the government over the petroleum levy, rising inflation, the wheat crisis, gas load-shedding and the country’s economic situation.
Allegations Over Karachi’s Electoral Mandate
Hafiz Naeem claimed that the people of Karachi had voted for Jamaat-e-Islami, but alleged that the party’s mandate had been stolen and a “mayor imposed on the city.”
He also criticised the distribution of powers within Karachi’s local government system, claiming that the mayor was withholding authority and hindering development work.
Criticism of Petroleum Levy and Rising Prices
The Jamaat-e-Islami chief said his party had been campaigning against the petroleum levy for a considerable period.
He pointed out that approximately 25 million people in Pakistan rely on motorcycles for transportation and argued that a reduction in petrol prices would provide relief to ordinary citizens.
He called for effective government measures to ease the financial burden on households struggling with rising living costs.
Questions Raised Over the Wheat Crisis
Hafiz Naeem criticised the handling of the wheat sector, arguing that Pakistan is an agricultural country yet continues to face wheat-related challenges.
He alleged that domestic wheat production had been undermined before imports were arranged to address the resulting shortages. He called for policies that protect farmers and consumers and ensure better management of the country’s agricultural resources.
Gas Load-Shedding and the IPP Issue
The Jamaat-e-Islami chief also highlighted the difficulties faced by households due to gas load-shedding, particularly the problems experienced by women managing domestic responsibilities.
He questioned why the government was not adequately addressing issues involving independent power producers (IPPs), saying the country’s economic difficulties were evident.
Flour Prices and Alleged Land Grabbing
Hafiz Naeem claimed that a 10-kilogram bag of flour was being sold for Rs2,000 in Karachi. He also accused the provincial government of allowing land grabbing under its patronage.
These claims reflect his criticism of the provincial government’s handling of public services, affordability and land-related issues.
Jamaat-e-Islami Preparing for Islamabad March
Hafiz Naeem said Jamaat-e-Islami would continue its campaign over public grievances and government policies and would take its demands to Islamabad through a long march.
However, no confirmed date or detailed schedule for the proposed march was specified in the reported remarks