Govt-JI talks on petroleum levy removal enter final stage

Negotiations between the government and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) over the removal of petroleum levy and measures to provide relief to consumers have entered their final stage, with both sides agreeing to continue consultations on energy pricing and public relief.

The development came during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and a JI delegation led by Acting JI Emir Liaquat Baloch on Tuesday.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, the two sides held candid discussions on practical measures to provide relief to the common man, particularly low-income citizens facing the burden of rising energy costs.

Both sides agreed to continue consultations over the coming days to formulate a way forward on petroleum pricing and public relief.

Separately, addressing a press conference after negotiations with the government, Liaquat Baloch said discussions on the removal of petroleum levy and public relief had reached their final stage.

He said the government had acknowledged the validity of JI’s demands for public relief and the removal of petroleum levy following the party’s nationwide protest campaign and presentation of six demands.

Baloch said the two sides had agreed on providing relief to the agriculture sector, public transport and certain categories of vehicles.

He added that the government would complete its working on oil refinery profits and the gradual elimination of petroleum levy on Monday, while a working paper would be prepared on Tuesday.

Following a review of the final draft agreement, JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman would announce the party’s future course of action, he said.

The Foreign Office statement said Dar reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritising public welfare and facilitating ordinary citizens amid global economic challenges.

He also emphasised that sustained cross-party dialogue was essential to addressing the country’s economic challenges.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Inter-Provincial Coordination, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, Secretary Finance and Special Secretary Petroleum.