Further talks with govt meaningless without relief package: Liaqat Baloch

LAHORE, Sept 20: Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Vice Emir Liaqat Baloch chaired a meeting at Mansoorah on Sunday to review arrangements for the party’s Super Long March.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Baloch said five rounds of talks had been held between government and JI committees, but the government side had failed to present any concrete proposal.

He said the JI had presented comprehensive and practical proposals for the withdrawal of the petroleum levy during the negotiations, but the government had adopted delaying tactics instead of taking action on them.

“Further negotiations with the government are meaningless and a waste of time without a complete relief package,” Baloch said.

He said that if the government was serious about resolving the issue, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would have to become directly involved in the negotiations.

JI Vice Emir said the JI would not accept what he described as a “lollipop” or superficial relief. He called on the prime minister to announce a major and comprehensive relief package for the people.

He said the JI wanted clear and practical measures to address public grievances, adding that assurances or temporary relief would not resolve the issue.

The JI has been holding protests and sit-ins against the petroleum levy and other public issues and has announced a Super Long March towards Islamabad.