JI chief calls for lower fuel prices and progress on Pak-Iran gas pipeline

LAHORE: Jamaat-i-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Monday urged the government to cut petrol prices without delay and move quickly on the long-pending Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline, saying any relief created by changes in the international economic situation should be passed on to the public.

In a video message from Mansoorah and in a statement posted on social media, Rehman also called for free trade with Iran and said the pipeline project should be expedited to help address Pakistan’s energy shortfall. He said domestic fuel prices should be reduced in line with lower international rates.

According to Rehman, ex-refinery prices could drop to around Rs200 per litre, making a significant cut in local petroleum prices possible. He also called for a review of what he described as heavy measures, including the petroleum levy. He said lower electricity and gas tariffs could give a substantial boost to economic activity within a year.

Comments on Iran-US developments

Rehman also commented on recent regional developments, describing the truce and agreement between Iran and the United States as a major success for Tehran. He said the outcome showed that no world power could impose its agenda on a country that remained united and resilient.

He said the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the return of more normal regional conditions carried an important lesson about the strength of national unity in the face of major challenges. He added that the conduct of Iran’s leadership and public demonstrated that when a state and its people stand together with patience and steadfastness, even the most powerful countries are forced to change course.

Rehman said the United States and Israel had made broad claims about dismantling Iran’s political order, nuclear programme, missile capability and military strength, but the conflict ended in very different circumstances and ultimately centred on the Strait of Hormuz. He described the result as a strategic victory for Iran and congratulated its leadership and people.

He also said Pakistan should take lessons from these developments. While acknowledging Islamabad’s role in mediation efforts, he said achievements in diplomacy abroad could not be fully utilised unless national unity and harmony were strengthened at home.