Next round of JI-govt talks on petroleum levy rescheduled for Tuesday

Lahore: Scheduled for September 15, the third round of discussions between the Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) and the government aims to repeal the petroleum levy, as announced by the party on Sunday. According to a statement from the party's information department, the initial plan was to convene the talks on Monday; however, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif requested a postponement to Tuesday, per JI.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal relayed the government's message to JI Vice President Liaquat Baloch. Iqbal also revealed that the negotiations on independent power producers (IPPs) will occur on Wednesday. Baloch indicated that during the talks, JI will articulate its position on both the petroleum levy and IPPs. Thus far, two rounds of negotiations have transpired.

The initiative originated after both parties agreed to establish committees of experts to formulate suggestions for reducing the petroleum levy and alleviating public financial burden. The government imposes Rs114 per liter in taxes and duties on petrol and Rs100 per liter on diesel. In their initial meeting on September 7, JI presented six pivotal proposals to the government committee.

At that time, Baloch emphasized that JI's party contends that the "direct Rs80 petroleum levy per liter on petrol and diesel is gravely affecting the national economy." He clarified that the peaceful demonstrations and protests across Pakistan, initiated since August 16, would persist throughout the negotiation process. The government's subsequent dialogue with JI commenced in response to the sit-ins against the petroleum levy in Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi, and numerous other locations nationwide.

On Saturday, JI leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman cautioned the government that the ongoing protest intended to reach Islamabad if the levy was not rescinded by September 20.