Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has rejected the federal budget and announced a nationwide protest movement against it, criticizing what he termed excessive taxation and rising public debt. Talking to media on Sunday, he said the public has paid over Rs 8,000 billion under the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) over the past 25 years. He alleged the levy is being used to bridge gaps created by shortfalls in Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) revenue targets.
Criticism of IPP Payments
He further criticized payments to Independent Power Producers (IPPs), saying around Rs 1,800 billion is being paid annually in capacity charges. He also stated that the country's total debt has reached Rs 85,000 billion, with Rs 8,054 billion in interest payments expected.
Demands and Proposed Measures
The JI chief demanded an immediate ban on the use of petroleum levy funds, capacity charges, and development funds allocated to parliamentarians. He also called for restrictions on government vehicles above 1200cc, arguing that such measures were essential to reduce state expenditure.
The Senate is set to meet tomorrow, with the Finance Bill 2026 on the agenda.
