Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) stated on Tuesday that while the government offered these concessions, it refused to end the petroleum levy.
Acting JI Emir Liaquat Baloch told reporters at a press conference that negotiations regarding the removal of the levy had reached their final stage. Baloch said the government acknowledged the validity of the party's demands following its six-point proposals and a nationwide protest campaign. Baloch stated a working paper would be prepared on Tuesday.
JI Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman will announce the party's next move after he reviews the final draft agreement. The Foreign Office reported that both sides held candid discussions regarding relief for low-income citizens affected by rising energy costs and agreed to continue talks over the coming days.
However, the Foreign Office did not confirm any specific agreement to remove the levy. Government negotiators informed JI that fuel prices are tied to rising international oil rates and stated that they had already provided every possible relief. Petrol and diesel prices will remain unchanged until a final deal is signed and officially notified.
The government relies heavily on the petroleum levy and aims to collect Rs. 1.6 trillion from it in FY27.
