Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) workers staged protests and sit-ins at several locations across Karachi on Friday against the petroleum levy and taxes on petroleum products, disrupting traffic on major roads.

The demonstrations were held following an appeal by JI Pakistan Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman and were led in Karachi by city emir Munim Zafar Khan. Protest rallies from different parts of the city headed towards Mazar-e-Quaid through designated routes.

The protests caused significant traffic disruption, with several key roads either blocked completely or partially affected.

A JI convoy from District Airport, led by MPA Muhammad Farooq, reached Natha Khan and blocked Sharea Faisal. Protesters also staged a sit-in on the National Highway, bringing traffic to a standstill.

Hub River Road was similarly closed under the JI Keamari chapter. Sit-ins were also reported on Sharae Pakistan, Super Highway, Shahrah-e-Orangi, Korangi Road, Pakistan Chowk, Sher Shah and Nishtar Road.

According to the Karachi traffic police, the demonstrations affected traffic around Mazar-e-Quaid, Numaish Chowrangi, Saddar, Sharea Faisal, Sharah-e-Pakistan, UP Mor, Power House Chowrangi, Defence Housing Authority, Sea View, Shahrah-e-Orangi, Hub River Road, Super Highway and National Highway.

The traffic police had warned that protests could cause congestion, diversions and temporary road closures in these areas. It advised motorists to avoid affected routes where possible and use alternative roads.

The protesters chanted slogans against the increase in petroleum prices and what the JI described as additional taxes imposed on consumers.

The JI had announced nationwide demonstrations against the petroleum levy, with sit-ins planned at hundreds of locations across the country.

JI Karachi also alleged that its workers travelling towards Mazar-e-Quaid came under fire near the National Stadium. The allegation could not be independently verified.

Protests in other cities

JI workers also held demonstrations at designated locations in Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar and Islamabad.

In Islamabad, protesters gathered at Golra Mor and blocked Srinagar Highway as they prepared to march towards Chungi 26.

In Sindh, sit-ins were also reported in Thatta, Matiari, Tando Allahyar, Shikarpur and several other districts.