By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD -  Pakistan's government is facing growing political pressure as Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), one of the country's major political parties, has threatened to launch a march toward the capital unless the government withdraws petroleum taxes and reverses controversial energy policies.

JI leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman gave the government a September 10 deadline on Tuesday, saying he would issue a final call for a long march to Islamabad if authorities failed to withdraw the petroleum levy and address agreements with independent power producers (IPPs).

Jamaat-e-Islami is one of Pakistan’s most organized political parties, with a strong nationwide network and significant street-mobilization power.

The announcement came as JI continued its nationwide protest campaign, with the party saying it is holding sit-ins in 32 cities. Its main protests in Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar have entered their 24th day.

"The struggle will be taken to its logical conclusion," Rehman told supporters outside the Sindh Governor House.

He accused the government of placing an increasing burden on ordinary Pakistanis through fuel taxes and repeated price increases, arguing that consumers were being forced to pay for economic policies over which they had little control.

The latest increase in fuel prices has further intensified public frustration. Pakistan has moved to daily fuel price adjustments, allowing prices to change in response to international oil-market fluctuations.

Petrol prices have reached Rs364.35 and diesel to Rs 385,95 per litre. The frequent changes are creating additional uncertainty for households, transport operators and businesses.

Petrol is particularly important for Pakistan's middle- and lower-income population, with motorcycles, rickshaws and small vehicles widely used for commuting and earning livelihoods. Diesel prices affect transport, agriculture, electricity generation and the cost of moving food and other goods across the country.

Rehman argued that fluctuations in international oil prices could not justify what he described as excessive taxation on consumers. He said the government should reduce the petroleum levy and other fuel-related taxes.

He also criticised the ruling coalition, accusing the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) of supporting the petroleum levy.

JI says its campaign is aimed at forcing the government to reduce the cost of living and reverse policies it considers unfair to ordinary citizens.

Rehman called on other opposition parties to join the protests, saying the issue affected the entire population rather than JI supporters alone. He said the party had created what he called a "public parliament" through its sit-ins.

The JI leader said talks with the government would continue alongside the protests. According to the party, a government committee has requested three days to respond to its demands.

"If the government does not withdraw the levy, we will give the final call for the march to Islamabad," Rehman said.

The party has also announced additional demonstrations, including women's protests in several cities.

The threatened Islamabad march could put further pressure on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government at a time when Pakistan is already dealing with economic challenges, high living costs and public anger over energy prices.

For millions of Pakistanis, the fuel-price dispute is not simply a political confrontation. Rising petrol and diesel costs feed directly into transportation expenses and the prices of food and other essential goods, making everyday life increasingly difficult for households already struggling to manage their monthly budgets.