Govt, JI Agree to Form Committees to Recommend Petroleum Levy Cut

LAHORE: The federal government and Jamaat-i-Islami Pakistan (JI) on Thursday agreed to form committees to recommend measures for reducing the petroleum levy and providing relief to the public.

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.

Ahsan Iqbal said JI’s movement was also aimed at providing relief to the people. He said everyone wants the public to get relief and added that the government is working to provide maximum relief.

He said Jamaat-i-Islami is a party of educated people and stressed that Pakistan’s national interest is the government’s top priority.

Ahsan Iqbal said the government is serious about resolving public issues and is ready for negotiations with Hafiz Naeem. He also asked JI to present a team of experts for further discussions.

Rana Sanaullah said the government has taken steps to provide relief to the people. He added that reducing inflation and providing relief to the public are among the government’s priorities.

Meanwhile, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said JI’s sit-in had been continuing for 19 days. He said the discussions were held in a positive manner.

Hafiz Naeem said rising inflation had made life difficult for people, adding that 95 percent of people are struggling to meet their basic needs.