JI Demands Petroleum Levy Cut Before Meeting PM Shehbaz Sharif

LAHORE: Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has firmly stated that he will not meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unless there is a commitment to abolish the petroleum levy. This declaration came during a press conference on Saturday, where Rehman warned that the party would announce a date for its planned march to Islamabad after October 12 if the government fails to provide relief to consumers.

Rehman expressed skepticism regarding the government’s intentions, citing statements from ministers that suggested the petroleum levy would remain in place. He emphasized, “If the petroleum levy is not abolished, we have no desire to meet the prime minister.” The premier had previously requested a meeting with Rehman, urging the JI to postpone its protest march against the levy until then. However, Rehman insisted that discussions would be futile without an assurance that the JI’s demands would be met.

The JI leader called for meaningful relief for the public and urged the government to capitalize on Saudi Arabia’s reported $5-per-barrel reduction in oil prices for Asian countries. This reduction presents an opportunity for the government to alleviate the financial burden on consumers amid rising inflation.

Looking ahead, the JI plans to continue its pressure on the government, with Rehman indicating that the party’s next steps will depend on the government’s response to their demands. The situation remains tense as citizens await potential changes in fuel pricing that could impact their daily lives.