ISLAMABAD: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Tuesday announced the postponement of the party’s next phase of its march on Islamabad, saying the party would remain in Multan until a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Hafiz Naeem said the prime minister had contacted him and invited JI leadership for talks. He said the party would continue its protest movement and would seek written assurances from the government before deciding its next course of action.
JI Seeks Fuel Price Reduction, Petroleum Levy Cut
The JI chief reiterated the party’s demands for lower fuel prices and abolition of the petroleum levy, saying previous government relief measures did not meet the party’s demands.
He said the government had cited commitments under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme as a constraint on reducing the petroleum levy.
Hafiz Naeem said JI had held protests and sit-ins at hundreds of locations across the country as part of its campaign over fuel prices and rising living costs.
PM Shehbaz Calls for Postponement of Islamabad Sit-In
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Hafiz Naeem by telephone and requested that JI postpone its planned Islamabad sit-in.
The prime minister said the government was taking measures to provide relief on petroleum products to economically vulnerable and middle-income segments despite difficult economic conditions.
The two leaders agreed to meet after Shehbaz returns from his visit abroad and continue consultations on the issue, according to the PMO.
Hafiz Naeem said JI would continue engaging with the government while maintaining its protest campaign.