Govt Seeks Fresh Talks With JI Over Petroleum Levy
Published On 24 Oct, 2026
9 News HD: The federal government has approached Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) for fresh talks on the petroleum levy as the party prepares to begin the third phase of its nationwide protest campaign on Friday, October 23.
Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal contacted JI Vice Emir Liaquat Baloch to discuss the issue. According to Liaquat Baloch, government and JI committees are expected to meet in Islamabad on Friday. A meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman is also planned.
The main issue in the talks is the petroleum levy, which JI wants the government to abolish. The party says removing the levy would help people who are facing high fuel prices and rising living costs.
JI has announced sit-ins across the country as part of the third phase of its protest movement. The party has continued its campaign despite earlier talks with the government and a pause in its march towards Islamabad in September.
The government and JI formed committees in early September to discuss possible steps to reduce the levy and provide relief to the public. However, the two sides have yet to reach an agreement on the issue.
JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has said the party will continue its protest campaign and wants clear written assurances from the government before deciding its next move.
The upcoming talks may offer both sides another chance to discuss the petroleum levy and find a possible solution. However, it remains unclear whether the meeting will lead to any change in government policy.
The issue is being closely watched as fuel prices and the cost of living remain major concerns for people across Pakistan.
