JI and Dar hold 'candid discussions' on fuel relief, agree to continue talks in coming days

The government and Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) engaged in "candid discussions" on Tuesday to explore practical measures for providing relief to low-income citizens in petroleum prices. Following a prior meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, both parties agreed to establish a bipartisan committee aimed at expanding the existing fuel relief scheme, in response to JI's calls for the abolition of the petroleum levy.

JI's Vice Emir Liaqat Baloch warned that the party would resume its postponed march to Islamabad by mid-November if no relief measures were announced. Subsequently, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with a JI delegation led by Baloch to discuss petroleum prices in the country, according to the Foreign Office (FO).

Both sides engaged in "candid discussions" on measures to provide relief to the common man, with a specific focus on easing the economic burden on low-income citizens, as stated by the FO. They agreed to continue their consultations over the coming days to work out a way forward on energy pricing and public relief.

During the meeting, Dar reiterated the government's commitment to prioritizing public welfare and facilitating ordinary citizens amid global economic challenges. He emphasized the importance of "sustained cross-party dialogue" in addressing national economic challenges effectively. Attendees from the government's side included Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Prime Minister's Adviser Rana Sanaullah, Special Assistant Tariq Bajwa, the finance secretary, and the Petroleum Division's special secretary.

JI claimed agreement on including 1,000cc cars in the relief scheme after the meeting with the government's team. Baloch stated that negotiations over the abolition of the petroleum levy and relief provision had reached their final stage, with both sides acknowledging the necessity of abolishing the levy and agreeing to provide relief to the agricultural sector and owners of vehicles up to 1,000cc. The relief scheme for motorcycles, rickshaws, and vehicles up to 800cc was implemented nationwide on September 17.

JI's Vice Emir Baloch described the meeting as the final round of negotiations, stating that representatives from both sides would meet again the following day to discuss further progress. He mentioned that JI had presented six proposals to the government, including the abolition of the petroleum levy, introduction of a relief package, reduction of public transport costs, and extending relief to vehicles above 800cc and the agricultural sector. Four key points were discussed during the meeting.

JI plans to prepare working papers on gradually eliminating the levy and measures to provide relief to the public. Baloch revealed that he had spoken with Rehman, who is currently in Turkey, and briefed him on the negotiation progress. He expressed disappointment with the government's failure to reduce its privileges and criticized the oil refineries for earning excessive profits.

Baloch maintained that JI's primary objective was to secure relief for the people, asserting that the government had taken various relief measures due to his party's negotiations.

Upon his return from Turkey, Rehman would address JI workers nationwide online and announce the party's future strategy. Baloch warned that if the package did not come in the form of public convenience and substantial relief, the Jamaat-i-Islami would fulfill its commitment to the people by conducting a protest march from Multan to Islamabad in mid-November. He affirmed that the protest would be peaceful, dignified, and aimed at securing relief for the people.