LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has warned the government over ongoing talks.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, he said talks could end if the government rejects the party’s demands.
Hafiz Naeem said the next phase of the matter would take place on the roads. He did not provide further details about the possible course of action.
The JI chief criticized the government’s petroleum levy policy. He claimed the government collects more than Rs1,500 billion through the petroleum levy.
He said the government is offering Rs25 billion in relief instead of withdrawing the levy. He called for the petroleum levy to be withdrawn.
Hafiz Naeem also raised concerns about government spending and official facilities. He said the government should reduce the privileges available to ministers and bureaucrats.
The JI leader proposed restricting government ministers and bureaucrats to vehicles with engines up to 1,300cc. He also called for an inquiry into the use of the Punjab chief minister’s official aircraft.
The JI chief had issued similar remarks on Tuesday. He said the party’s sit-ins and march would continue until the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) is withdrawn.
According to his statement, the government has offered Rs25 billion in monthly relief. However, he said authorities have not agreed to remove the levy.
He also criticized the spending associated with government officials. He claimed a secretary receives Rs2 million for attending a meeting.
The JI leader further questioned government spending on advertisements. He claimed the cost of advertisements exceeded the value of the petrol relief being offered.
The statements come as Jamaat-e-Islami prepares for an Islamabad March. The party has finalized arrangements for the event scheduled for September 20.
The government has been holding talks with parties over their demands. The latest warning indicates that the outcome of those discussions could affect the JI’s next steps.
Hafiz Naeem has repeatedly linked the continuation of the protest campaign with the withdrawal of the petroleum levy. The issue remains a key point in the party’s demands.
The government’s position on the JI demands was not detailed in the provided report. Further discussions are expected to determine whether the talks continue.
In other news read more about Hafiz Naeem Announces Nationwide Campaign Against Petroleum Levy Starting Monday
The planned Islamabad March on September 20 remains part of the party’s announced schedule. Its future course will depend on developments surrounding the talks and the demands raised by Jamaat-e-Islami.
