Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has called for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to guarantee the ongoing negotiations, citing delays in the government’s response, according to sources.
A government delegation, including Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Energy Awais Leghari, and MNA Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, met with JI leaders late on Saturday night at the site of the sit-in on Murree Road, Liaquat Bagh. The delegation extended an invitation for talks.
The sit-in, now in its fifth day, continues despite persistent monsoon rains, with participants holding firm to their demands.
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Jamaat-e-Islami has put forward ten demands, which include:
- Elimination of the Petroleum Development Levy on all petroleum products and reversal of recent price hikes.
- A 20% reduction in the prices of food items, electricity, and gas tariffs.
- Renegotiation of agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs), particularly the clause requiring payments in US dollars.
- Reduction in taxes on agriculture and industrial sectors.
- Incentives for the industrial sector, trade, and investment.
- Reversal of tax increases on salaried individuals and the imposition of taxes on the privileged class.
- A 35% cut in non-development expenses.
- Removal of all taxes on stationery and other items used in children’s education and training.
Party sources indicate that JI remains unwavering in its demands and was promised consultation time by the government delegation. However, they have yet to receive a response. JI now insists that any agreement reached must have Prime Minister Sharif’s signature to ensure its commitment.