Commuters across Karachi faced significant delays on Friday as Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) staged sit-ins on key thoroughfares, part of a nationwide protest against the petroleum levy. The demonstration, announced a day earlier, targeted 510 locations across Pakistan, with Karachi among the hardest hit. Main Developments Karachi traffic police issued an advisory warning of slow-moving traffic, temporary diversions, and partial road closures on several major routes. Affected areas included Mazar-i-Quaid, Numaish Chowrangi, Saddar, Sharea Faisal, Sharae Pakistan, UP Mor, Power House Chowrangi, Defence Housing Authority, Sea View, Shahrah-i-Orangi, Hub River Road, Super Highway, and National Highway. Updates from JI Karachi's official X account confirmed workers had blocked roads at multiple points, including the route to Natha Khan from Sharea Faisal, the Super Highway, Hub River Road, and the road from Sharea Faisal Nursery Bus Stop to the airport. Authorities advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel to these areas, choose alternative routes, and allow extra travel time. Read also: UNSC Condemns Swat Bombing After Pakistan's Afghan Terror Warning In other provincial capitals, JI workers also gathered at designated sit-in locations. In Lahore, protesters blocked Qurtaba Chowk, where JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman addressed the crowd. Islamabad saw a demonstration at Chungi No. 26, addressed by JI Deputy Emir Liaqat Baloch, Islamabad chapter chief Nasrullah Randhawa, and traders' representative Kashif Chaudhry. Background The protests stem from JI's opposition to the federal government's petroleum levy, which the party argues unfairly burdens citizens. The nationwide action follows a pattern of similar demonstrations by JI in recent years, often involving road blockades to press demands on economic and governance issues. Sindh government spokesperson Sadia Javed responded sharply, calling the protests "fuel for political point-scoring." She noted that the petroleum levy is a federal matter and questioned why Karachi's residents were being "punished" through road closures. Javed urged JI to focus on its local government representatives' performance instead of disrupting public life. Why It Matters The disruptions affect millions in Karachi, a city already grappling with infrastructure challenges. Javed highlighted the practical consequences, asking how ambulances and patients could reach hospitals when major roads are closed. She warned that authorities would not tolerate road blockades or damage to public property under the guise of protest. Beyond Karachi, the sit-ins in Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar, and Islamabad signal a coordinated national campaign. JI's claim of clashes between police and protesters in Islamabad adds a layer of tension, raising concerns about potential escalation. What's Next With sit-ins underway at hundreds of locations, the immediate focus is on traffic management and possible negotiations. Javed suggested JI should raise its concerns in Parliament or relevant forums rather than through protests. Whether the party will heed that advice or continue its demonstrations remains an open question, as does the government's next move in response to the levy grievance.