Pakistan government and JI agree to form committees on cutting petroleum levy

Pakistan’s federal government and Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan have agreed to create committees that will examine ways to reduce the petroleum levy and ease pressure on the public.

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The government will happily act upon recommendations put forward by these committees.

JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah announced the decision at a press conference in Lahore. Iqbal said a government delegation had met JI leaders and that the government would establish an expert committee. He asked JI to form a corresponding team so both sides could discuss practical measures.

“The government will happily act upon recommendations put forward by these committees,” Iqbal said. He added that both sides agreed the public should receive relief. “We requested them [JI] to form a team, and then we will negotiate on practical recommendations for relief,” he said.

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We requested them [JI] to form a team, and then we will negotiate on practical recommendations for relief.

The minister said the government would present its own position before taking action on the committees’ recommendations. He also framed the talks as part of a broader effort to protect national stability. “Pakistan’s interest is a priority,” Iqbal said, adding that the government would not allow any foreign element to exploit internal instability. “We have to work together for internal peace and stability.”

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Pakistan’s interest is a priority.

Iqbal said JI had assured the government that it would not make demands contrary to the country’s interests. The committees’ recommendations will determine what measures the government ultimately considers for lowering the petroleum levy.

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We have to work together for internal peace and stability.