JI Submits 6-Point Proposals to Govt to Abolish Petroleum Levy

Islamabad: Sep 07: The first round of negotiations between delegations from Jamaat-e-Islami and the federal government regarding the abolition of the petroleum levy and provision of relief to the public has concluded in Islamabad, with Jamaat-e-Islami submitting six key proposals to the government committee and agreeing to hold the next session on Thursday.

The Jamaat-e-Islami delegation was led by Vice Emir Liaqat Baloch, accompanied by Deputy Secretary Syed Farasat Shah, Emir KP North Inayatullah Khan, Emir Lahore Zia-ur-Rehman Ansari Advocate, Emir Islamabad Nasrullah Randhawa, Naveed Ali Baig, and Shahid Naeem. The government side was headed by Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, alongside Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Liaqat Baloch stated that they presented six detailed proposals to the Prime Minister’s designated team, emphasizing that the direct 80-rupee petroleum levy per liter on petrol and diesel is severely impacting the national economy. He clarified that peaceful sit-ins and protests across the country would continue while negotiations proceed. He added that the primary objective remains providing immediate relief to the public, urging rulers to cut state expenditures as sufficient budgetary margin exists to accommodate tax relief. He also expressed concern over unfulfilled government commitments made during previous talks regarding IPP protests and the Balochistan Long March, adding that daily petroleum pricing should be discontinued and noting that current subsidy structures have failed.

Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal stated that the government had invited Jamaat-e-Islami for talks to seek their actionable suggestions, which have now been formally received. He noted that the relevant government institutions will review these recommendations and any impractical points will be discussed openly with Jamaat-e-Islami during the upcoming session. He mentioned that the government never desires to overburden citizens, but global economies have been disrupted by regional tensions including the war in Iran, adding that petroleum prices would naturally ease once regional conflicts de-escalate.