Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has announced a temporary postponement of the party’s long march.
The decision followed a request from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a telephone call. The call took place after the protest march reached Multan.
Hafiz Naeem said the party wants to give the government an opportunity to address public concerns. He also said talks with the prime minister would focus on public relief.
The Jamaat-e-Islami leader said the party’s caravans would remain in place for now. He linked the next step to his meeting with the prime minister.
The party has not withdrawn its protest movement. Hafiz Naeem said Jamaat-e-Islami would continue raising its demands through its campaign.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered talks on the petroleum levy. He also indicated that he was ready for a meaningful discussion after returning to Pakistan.
Hafiz Naeem told the prime minister that the party did not want confrontation. He also said it did not seek to create a law and order situation.
However, he maintained that the party has the right to protest. He said the government should respect that right while addressing public concerns.
The Jamaat-e-Islami chief said the party would consult its Shura before finalizing its response. The Shura is the party’s central decision-making council.
The party’s train march reached Multan after starting from Karachi. Hafiz Naeem addressed supporters at Multan railway station after the arrival.
He said the train had faced a delay of around four hours. Despite the delay, supporters gathered to welcome the protest caravan.
The protest is centered on the petroleum levy imposed on petroleum products. Jamaat-e-Islami has been demanding the withdrawal of the levy.
Hafiz Naeem has described the levy as an additional burden on consumers. He has called for greater relief for people facing higher living costs.
He also highlighted prices of wheat, flour, and sugar during his address. According to him, these prices reflect financial pressures faced by ordinary consumers.
The party has previously held talks with the federal government over its demands. Those discussions have not resulted in a final agreement on the petroleum levy.
The latest development creates an opportunity for further discussions between both sides. The prime minister has offered to meet Hafiz Naeem after returning to Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the protest campaign remains active despite the temporary pause. The party’s leadership is expected to determine its next steps after consultations.
In other related news also read JI Announces Nationwide Sit-Ins Against Petroleum Levy
The Jamaat-e-Islami has said its campaign will continue until its demands are addressed. The timing and terms of any further talks remain subject to discussions between the two sides.
