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Petroleum Levy Crisis: Jamaat-e-Islami Presents Strong Demands to Government
Petroleum levy became the central issue in talks between the federal government and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) in Lahore on Thursday, with the religious-political party presenting demands aimed at reducing the financial burden on consumers amid its nationwide protest movement.
A government delegation visited JI headquarters at Mansoorah to engage with the party leadership and discuss its concerns over fuel prices and the petroleum levy. The meeting came as JI continued its nationwide protests and shutter-down campaign over rising costs.
Government Delegation Reaches Mansoorah
The government delegation included Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah and Punjab Minister Khawaja Salman Rafiq.
JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman participated in the discussions, while the party’s negotiating team was led by Deputy Emir Liaquat Baloch.
Other members of the JI team included Firasat Shah, Islamabad Emir Nasrullah Randhawa, Lahore Emir Ziauddin Ansari and Naveed Ali Baig.
The talks were initiated as the government sought to address the concerns behind JI’s protests and explore measures that could provide relief to consumers.
Petroleum Levy Among Key Demands
JI representatives placed the petroleum levy at the centre of their demands, calling for its abolition so that fuel prices could be reduced.
The party also raised concerns over agreements involving Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and called for measures to bring down electricity costs. A further demand highlighted in reports was a reduction in the price of bread, reflecting JI’s broader focus on the cost of essential goods.
JI has argued that petroleum-related taxes place a particularly heavy burden on ordinary consumers, especially people who depend on motorcycles and other vehicles for their daily commuting and livelihoods.
The party has maintained that reducing fuel-related charges could help ease pressure on household budgets and businesses.
Government Says Public Relief Is a Priority
The government acknowledged JI’s proposals and indicated that they would be examined.
Ahsan Iqbal said the government wanted to provide relief to the public and had asked JI to put forward workable proposals that could reduce the burden created by fuel prices. He said the government was prepared to consider suggestions aimed at providing relief while taking economic realities into account.
The government has also stressed that petroleum prices need to be considered in the context of international market conditions and the broader economic situation.
Following the meeting, representatives from both sides described the discussions as part of an effort to find practical measures rather than allowing the dispute to escalate.
Petroleum Levy Talks to Continue
The Mansoorah meeting resulted in an agreement to establish technical-level committees to examine proposals for reducing the petroleum levy and providing relief to consumers.
According to subsequent reports, both sides agreed that expert committees would work on recommendations, with formal technical discussions expected to begin on Monday.
However, JI has made it clear that negotiations will take place alongside its protest campaign. Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said the party would continue its sit-ins while talks with the government proceed.
The development marks an important step in the government’s efforts to address the petroleum levy dispute. The outcome of the upcoming technical discussions could determine whether the two sides can reach a workable formula for reducing the burden on consumers without creating additional pressure on the national economy.
For now, the petroleum levy remains one of the most contentious issues between the government and JI, with both sides preparing for further negotiations.See More on Pulse Pakistan
