ISLAMABAD: The government has proposed abolishing the petroleum levy for one year as talks with Jamaat-e-Islami continue over its super long march, sources told ARY News.
According to sources, Jamaat-e-Islami’s super long march is moving from Rohri towards Multan, while the government has once again contacted the JI leadership and urged it to stop the march.
Jamaat-e-Islami has maintained that the super long march will continue until the petroleum levy is abolished.
Sources said the government has proposed ending the petroleum levy for one year. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also expected to contact the JI leadership soon.
Breakthrough likely
A breakthrough in the JI super long march is possible before it reaches Islamabad, sources said.
According to sources, the government delegation has offered a major public relief package, subject to approval by Jamaat-e-Islami’s technical committee.
The government delegation has also assured the JI leadership that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is on board with the relief package.
A meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the JI leadership is also expected after his return to the country.
Jamaat-e-Islami has indicated that it may pause the long march if the government is serious about providing relief. However, the party has made it clear that the march will not end until the petroleum levy is completely abolished.
A member of the government delegation also expressed support for ending the levy, saying they are public representatives and would be happy to take steps to provide relief to the people.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to contact the Jamaat-e-Islami leadership soon.
