The government has proposed abolishing the petroleum levy for one year as the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) continues its “Super Long March” towards Islamabad, according to sources.
The development comes as the JI’s march is moving from Rohri towards Multan. Government representatives have once again contacted the JI leadership and urged the party to call off or postpone the march.
The JI, however, has maintained that its protest movement will continue until the petroleum levy is completely withdrawn. The party has been campaigning against the levy for weeks and has made its abolition a key demand of the march.
According to sources, the government has now proposed suspending the petroleum levy for one year. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also expected to contact the JI leadership soon.
Breakthrough possible
A possible breakthrough between the government and the JI could emerge before the march reaches Islamabad, sources said.
The government delegation has reportedly offered a major public relief package, subject to approval by the JI’s technical committee.
Sources said the government delegation also assured the JI leadership that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was being kept informed of the negotiations. A meeting between the prime minister and JI leadership is expected after his return to Pakistan.
The JI has indicated that it could consider pausing the march if the government demonstrates seriousness about providing relief. However, the party has maintained that the march will not be called off permanently unless the petroleum levy is completely abolished.
A member of the government delegation said the representatives were themselves in favour of providing relief to the public, adding that they would welcome measures aimed at reducing the financial burden on citizens.
The latest proposal comes after several rounds of talks between the government and the JI failed to produce a final agreement. The JI has continued its march towards Islamabad despite government requests to postpone it.
