The federal government has again contacted Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) to discuss its protest against the petroleum levy, with another round of talks expected as the party prepares for its planned march towards Islamabad.
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal contacted JI Deputy Emir Liaquat Baloch on Friday night and invited the party to hold another meeting on Saturday. Baloch said he would consult JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman and other senior leaders before responding.
Government Seeks Another Round of Talks
The latest contact comes after several rounds of negotiations between the government and JI failed to produce an agreement on the petroleum levy.
The two sides have discussed the issue in meetings held in Lahore and Islamabad. During the latest formal round on September 16, the government and JI remained divided over the party’s demand for the withdrawal of the petroleum levy.
JI has maintained that it wants the levy abolished and has linked the continuation of its protest campaign to progress on the issue.
The party has also indicated that it is willing to consider concrete proposals from the government through negotiations.
JI Plans Islamabad March
The latest government approach comes shortly before JI’s planned long march towards Islamabad.
The party has announced that its workers and supporters will begin travelling towards the federal capital from September 20. JI has said the march will remain peaceful and has called on participants to avoid unnecessary disruption.
The planned march has increased pressure on the government to find a solution through negotiations before the protest reaches Islamabad.
Petroleum Levy Remains Key Issue
The petroleum levy remains the main point of disagreement between the two sides. JI has argued that removing the levy would provide relief to consumers facing high fuel costs.
During earlier talks, the government presented measures aimed at providing targeted relief to some fuel consumers, including motorcycle and small-vehicle users.
However, JI has continued to seek a broader solution to the petroleum levy issue rather than relying only on relief measures.
The outcome of the latest government contact with JI could determine whether negotiations resume before the Islamabad march. For now, the party has maintained that its protest will continue until its key demands are addressed.
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