The federal government and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) have agreed to form committees to discuss measures for providing relief to the public. Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal announced the development during a joint press conference in Lahore.
Iqbal said the government had already formed its committee and asked JI to establish its own negotiating team. He added that the government would present its position and consider workable proposals from the party.
JI Forms Committee For Government Talks
Iqbal said the government would welcome proposals aimed at reducing the petroleum levy. He also said authorities wanted to provide maximum possible relief to people facing rising costs.
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said JI had presented proposals that could provide relief to the public. He added that the government would implement workable suggestions from the party.
JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said the party had formed a negotiating committee under Liaquat Baloch. The committee will represent JI during talks with the government.
Protests Continue Over Petroleum Levy
The talks come as JI continues its nationwide campaign against the petroleum levy and inflation. The party’s strike received a mixed response, with some markets closing in parts of Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while businesses largely remained open in Punjab and Balochistan.
JI has also continued sit-ins in provincial capitals and other cities as part of its campaign. The protests have now continued for 18 days, according to the party.
Hafiz Naeem said JI wants the government to reduce petrol prices and abolish the petroleum levy. The party also demands lower electricity costs and cheaper bread for consumers.
