The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has refused to end its ongoing sit-ins against high electricity tariffs and the petroleum levy. The party says its protests will continue until public concerns are addressed.
JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said the government held positive talks with the party. However, he said discussions had not yet resolved the main issues behind the protests.
The sit-ins have now entered their 19th day. Rehman said the protests were not launched for political gains. He said the main purpose was to seek relief for ordinary citizens.
According to Rehman, around 90 to 95 percent of people are struggling with basic needs. He also claimed poverty has increased by 33 percent over the past six years.
He highlighted the financial pressure faced by motorcyclists. Rehman said a motorcyclist pays around 35 percent tax on one litre of petrol.
He also claimed that the government has collected Rs8,000 billion through the petroleum levy since its introduction. The levy has remained a major concern for protesters.
Rehman also raised concerns about capacity charges in the power sector. He said the issue was still unresolved. He added that Pakistan was not receiving the required amount of LNG.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the government would examine the proposals presented by the JI. He said authorities were considering possible steps to provide relief.
Iqbal also referred to difficulties caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He said the situation had increased pressure on the public. The government wants to provide maximum possible relief, he added.
The minister said the JI has educated members and welcomed further discussions. He asked the party to form a team of experts for detailed negotiations with the government.
Iqbal also expressed concern about possible unrest during political gatherings. He warned that hostile elements could exploit such situations for sabotage.
PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah also welcomed the progress in talks. He thanked the JI for receiving the government delegation positively.
Sanaullah said the main objective of the protest was to reduce inflation. He added that providing relief to citizens was also a government priority.
He said the Iran-US conflict had created additional economic pressure. The government has taken several steps to reduce the impact on the public.
Sanaullah also said the JI had presented proposals that could help provide relief. He recalled that electricity prices had previously been improved through discussions with the party.
In other related news also read JI Announces Nationwide Sit-Ins Against Petroleum Levy
He expressed hope that the current negotiations would produce positive results. A successful outcome, he said, would benefit both the government and the JI.
