JI warns talks may end over petroleum levy

Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has warned that negotiations with the government could end after Wednesday’s fourth round if authorities fail to agree to the abolition of the petroleum levy.

The talks between the government and JI began on September 7 after both sides agreed to establish committees comprising political representatives and experts to discuss measures aimed at reducing the impact of the petroleum levy and providing relief to consumers.

Three rounds of negotiations have already been held, while the fourth session is scheduled for Wednesday evening in Islamabad.

Speaking in Karachi, Rehman rejected the government’s fuel relief proposal, arguing that the petroleum levy should be abolished rather than replaced with temporary relief measures.

He warned that continued delays in withdrawing the levy could make the fourth round of negotiations the final session. Despite the ongoing talks, he said JI would proceed with its planned march towards Islamabad on September 20.

According to the JI chief, the government collects around Rs1,567 billion annually through the petroleum levy but has announced only Rs25 billion in relief for the public. He questioned whether the proposed relief package would provide meaningful assistance to consumers, particularly under a system involving weekly fuel distribution.

Rehman also criticised what he described as restrictions imposed in the name of maintaining public order, saying traders were facing pressure. He called for an end to frequent changes in petroleum prices, arguing that repeated revisions create difficulties for households and businesses.

The JI leader said the party would continue organising public gatherings as part of its campaign. He announced a large gathering in Karachi on Wednesday, followed by rallies in Lahore on Thursday and events in Mardan and Peshawar on Friday.

“The Islamabad march will not stop,” Rehman said, urging the government not to obstruct what he described as a peaceful and democratic movement.

The fourth round of talks is scheduled to take place at the Federal Secretariat at 6pm. The JI delegation will be led by Liaquat Baloch, while the government team will be headed by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal.

The government delegation is also expected to include Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani.

JI has been holding sit-ins in Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi and other parts of the country since August 16 over the petroleum levy and agreements involving independent power producers.