Govt-JI talks on petroleum levy removal near conclusion

Both sides agree to continue consultations on fuel pricing and public relief, with JI claiming progress on relief measures for agriculture and transport sectors. Negotiations between the federal government and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) over the removal of the petroleum levy and measures to provide relief to consumers have entered their final stage, according to JI leader Liaquat Baloch, with both sides agreeing to continue consultations on energy pricing. The development came during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and a JI delegation led by Liaquat Baloch on Tuesday. According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, the two sides held discussions on practical measures to provide relief to the public, particularly low-income citizens facing the burden of rising energy costs. Both sides agreed to continue consultations over the coming days to formulate a way forward on petroleum pricing and public relief. Separately, addressing a press conference following the negotiations, Baloch said discussions over the removal of the petroleum levy and public relief had reached their final stage. He claimed that the government had acknowledged the validity of JI's demands following the party's nationwide protest campaign and presentation of six demands. Baloch said the two sides had agreed on providing relief to the agriculture sector, public transport and certain categories of vehicles. He added that the government would complete its working on oil refinery profits and the gradual elimination of the petroleum levy on Monday, November 9, while a working paper would be prepared on Tuesday, November 10. Following a review of the final draft agreement, JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman would announce the party's future course of action, he said. However, the Foreign Office statement did not confirm any agreement to abolish the petroleum levy, stating only that consultations would continue on measures to provide public relief. Dar reiterated the government's commitment to prioritising public welfare and facilitating ordinary citizens amid global economic challenges. He also emphasised that sustained dialogue between political parties was essential to addressing the country's economic challenges. The meeting was attended by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Prime Minister's Adviser on Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, the finance secretary and the special secretary for petroleum.