ISLAMABAD: The fifth round of talks between the government and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) ended without a breakthrough, as differences over the petroleum levy and other public demands remained unresolved.
The government delegation also requested JI to postpone its planned long march, citing security concerns. However, JI maintained that practical action on its demands was necessary and indicated that its protest programme would continue.
The negotiations were held at JI headquarters Mansoorah, with a government delegation comprising Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Senator Rana Sanaullah and Punjab Provincial Minister Khawaja Salman Rafiq.
The JI delegation included Deputy Emir Liaquat Baloch, Acting Secretary General Nazir Ahmed Janjua, Assistant Special Secretary Umair Idrees, JI Lahore Emir Ziauddin Ansari and Information Secretary Shakeel Ahmed Tarabi.
During the meeting, government representatives referred to security concerns and asked the religious-political party to defer its planned long march.
The government delegation assured the JI representatives that practical measures would be taken to provide significant relief to the public at the earliest possible opportunity.
Government officials also highlighted the financial pressures facing Pakistan, saying the government was dealing with pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). They further said an IMF delegation was expected to visit Pakistan soon.
The government’s position suggests that decisions on some of the demands could be affected by the country’s ongoing economic commitments and discussions with international lenders.
JI Insists on Ending Petroleum Levy
JI Deputy Emir Liaquat Baloch said the petroleum levy would have to be abolished and stressed that the government should take practical steps to address public demands.
Baloch said the long march would remain necessary unless meaningful progress was made on the petroleum levy and other issues.
He added that the party would proceed with its protest programme if the government failed to take concrete measures.
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According to the JI leadership, the “Super Long March” is scheduled to begin from Karachi on Sunday under the leadership of JI Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman.
