Joint JI-govt committee to mull ways to expand fuel relief scheme: Ahsan Iqbal

A joint committee consisting of three Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) members and three government representatives, led by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and PM Shehbaz Sharif's political adviser Rana Sanaullah, has been established to discuss expanding the fuel relief scheme. The committee will aim to benefit more "deserving people" and propose a reduction in levies for the upcoming budget.

The PM announced the fuel relief scheme on September 17 to alleviate the burden on citizens as fuel prices surged due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The relief, which currently covers 12.5 million people, will be expanded to include motorcycles, rickshaws, and vehicles up to 800cc. JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman had threatened to march to Islamabad on November 14 if the government did not provide relief before the deadline.

After meeting with the PM, Rehman clarified that his party would adhere to the schedule but emphasized the importance of the government taking concrete actions. The JI acknowledged the government's efforts in providing relief but sought a more targeted approach, focusing on those who truly need assistance. Simultaneously, the PML-N leader stressed the importance of maintaining peace and internal stability, while also acknowledging the global challenges that have led to the current fuel price crisis.