Petroleum levy issue: Govt, JI hold fourth round of talks

Islamabad (Web Desk): The fourth round of talks between the government and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) over the abolition of the petroleum levy has begun, with the JI delegation arriving at Punjab House for negotiations with government representatives.

The JI negotiating team is being led by the party’s Pakistan deputy chief, Liaquat Baloch. The delegation includes Syed Firasat Shah, Nasrullah Randhawa, Inayatullah Khan, Ziauddin Ansari Advocate and Naveed Ali Baig.

The government’s negotiating committee is headed by Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal. Rana Sanaullah Khan, Ali Pervaiz Malik and Bilal Azhar Kayani are also part of the government team taking part in the discussions.

The latest meeting is part of a series of negotiations that began on September 7, with the two sides discussing the JI’s demand for the abolition of the petroleum levy.

The issue has remained a key point of discussion between the government and JI, with the party seeking relief from the additional charge imposed on petroleum products.

Jamaat-e-Islami has also announced that it will hold a march towards Islamabad on September 20 if the government fails to abolish the petroleum levy.

The fourth round of talks is therefore being closely watched, as both sides continue discussions to address the issue and attempt to reach an agreement before the JI’s announced deadline.