ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday asked Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman to postpone the party’s protest against the petroleum levy.
According to a JI spokesperson, the prime minister made the request during a telephone call with Hafiz Naeem, who was leading the party’s train march.
The call came as the JI train carrying protesters reached Multan during its journey towards Islamabad.
PM Shehbaz said he was ready to hold meaningful talks with the JI over the petroleum levy after returning to Pakistan.
Hafiz Naeem told the prime minister that the JI did not want confrontation or a law and order situation.
However, he said the party had taken to the streets to highlight public concerns, and the government must respect its right to protest.
The JI emir said he would consult the party’s Shura before responding to the prime minister’s request.
He added that postponing the march at the government’s request would not mean surrendering the party’s right to protest.
Meanwhile, the JI train march reached Multan late Monday night, where Hafiz Naeem addressed supporters at the railway station.
He said a four-hour delay had not prevented supporters from turning out to welcome the march.
Hafiz Naeem said the procession would travel through southern Punjab before entering central Punjab.
He also said government containers would not stop the march and reiterated demands for withdrawal of the petroleum levy.
The JI chief said the party was highlighting economic difficulties faced by poor and middle-class families.
He cited rising wheat, flour and sugar prices while criticising government policies concerning sugar imports and exports.
The JI launched its long march from Karachi on Sunday against the petroleum levy, with the campaign moving towards Islamabad.
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