Key Takeaways
- JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman warns talks may end if petroleum levy is not abolished.
- Fourth round of talks scheduled for Wednesday in Islamabad.
- JI plans to march to Islamabad on September 20 if demands are not met.
Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan (JI) has warned that ongoing talks with the government over the petroleum levy may end if the levy is not abolished soon, according to a statement issued by the party.
The talks, which began on September 7, are aimed at reducing the petroleum levy and providing relief to the public. So far, three rounds have been held, with the fourth scheduled for 6pm today in Islamabad.
Rehman, the JI Emir, spoke in Karachi, rejecting the government’s fuel relief scheme and demanding the complete abolition of the petroleum levy, rather than temporary relief schemes.
He stated that the government collected Rs1,567 billion annually through the petroleum levy but announced only Rs25 billion in relief, which he described as inadequate.
Rehman also criticized the government’s proposed implementation of the relief package through weekly fuel distribution, questioning its feasibility.
The JI chief called for an end to the practice of revising petroleum prices daily, citing frequent revisions as a source of difficulty for consumers and businesses.
Rehman outlined plans to hold public meetings, including a large gathering in Karachi on Wednesday night, followed by rallies in Lahore on Thursday, and in Mardan and Peshawar on Friday.
He urged the government not to disrupt the peaceful and democratic struggle, adding that the Islamabad march will not stop, as the party has been staging regular sit-ins in Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi, and other locations since August 16.
The government’s team for the fourth round of talks will include Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani.
If the government continues delaying and does not abolish the petroleum levy, today’s talks will be the last round.
Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, JI Emir
