Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has demanded the complete withdrawal of the petroleum levy, saying the measure is needed to provide relief to people facing rising living costs.

Addressing a press conference in Sukkur, Naeem said the government and JI had held five rounds of negotiations over the levy.

The fifth round ended without an agreement on Saturday. The two sides still differ over the levy and protest march.

Naeem questioned the government’s position on withdrawing the levy and asked how it would replace the revenue generated through the measure.

JI Calls for Relief From Fuel Prices

Naeem said the petroleum levy had placed an additional financial burden on the public.

He called on the government to abolish the levy completely and take steps to reduce the impact of inflation on ordinary citizens.

The JI leader has repeatedly made the withdrawal of the petroleum levy a central demand of the party’s nationwide protest campaign.

The party has held sit-ins in several cities and launched a march towards Islamabad on September 20.

Naeem said the protest movement was aimed at seeking relief for people across Pakistan.

Five Rounds of Talks End Without Agreement

Government and JI representatives began talks on the petroleum levy earlier this month.

The two sides completed five rounds of talks, but the latest meeting did not produce a final agreement.

The government also asked JI to postpone its march. Officials cited security concerns. The party rejected the request and continued with its planned mobilisation.

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Naeem has maintained that the levy should be withdrawn rather than replaced with temporary relief measures.

JI Says Protest Will Remain Peaceful

Naeem said the JI had no intention of resorting to violence or arson during its protest campaign.

He described the movement as a public campaign focused on fuel prices, the petroleum levy and inflation.

The party began its march from Karachi on September 20, with supporters travelling towards Islamabad by train and other routes.

The march is expected to pass through several cities, including Hyderabad and Sukkur, before reaching the federal capital.

Policy Rate Also Discussed

Naeem also said a reduction in the policy rate could support economic activity.

The JI chief has previously argued that lower interest rates could reduce the government’s financial burden and create greater room for economic relief.

The petroleum levy remains the central issue in the JI’s current protest campaign, while negotiations between the party and government remain unresolved.