A delegation from Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan, led by Liaquat Baloch, Naib Ameer JI, has met senior government ministers to discuss fuel supplies, petroleum prices, and measures to ease the impact of a recent fuel crisis.
The delegation met Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kiani at the Petroleum Division.
Officials from major refineries, including PARCO, Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) and Cnergyico, as well as representatives of Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), briefed the delegation on fuel supply and distribution.
The officials said steps had been taken to maintain adequate fuel supplies across the country and prevent disruptions.
The meeting also discussed Pakistan’s petroleum pricing mechanism, including its seven-day rolling average system. Officials presented a comparison of fuel prices and supply management in neighboring countries.
Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik said that the government has taken comprehensive measures to protect consumers and ensure fuel availability.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had introduced a targeted relief scheme for lower-income consumers, including subsidies for motorcyclists, users of three-wheelers and owners of small cars.
The petroleum minister said that the government is also pursuing the upgradation of refineries, which will enable the production of Euro-V compliant fuel and reduce the production of furnace oil.
The upgraded refineries will increase the production of petrol and diesel, thereby reducing Pakistan’s dependence on imported refined petroleum products and creating the potential for exports in the future.
Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar said that providing relief to the people remains the Prime Minister’s priority. He said Pakistan’s recent diplomatic successes have elevated the country’s position internationally.
Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kiani said that the government is taking measures to broaden the tax base and promote direct taxation as part of its efforts to strengthen the economy and improve revenue collection.
The Jamaat-e-Islami delegation welcomed the government’s targeted relief measures for two and three-wheelers and small cars. Liaquat Baloch appreciated the relief initiatives and stressed that, alongside immediate relief, permanent and sustainable solutions to the underlying issues should also be pursued including reduction of Petroleum Levy.
The delegation was assured by Ministers that their recommendations will be shared with Prime Minister.
The meeting also discussed broader measures aimed at ensuring energy security, protecting consumers and strengthening the country’s petroleum sector.
