Jamaat-i-Islami Rejects PM's Fuel Relief Plan, Calls for Abolition of Petroleum Levy

In a decisive stand against the government's recent Fuel Relief Scheme, the Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) has stated that it is insufficient to address the pressing issue of high petroleum taxes. The party's Deputy Emir, Liaquat Baloch, made this clear during a press conference following a meeting with government officials on Tuesday.

Details of the Fuel Relief Scheme

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif unveiled the relief initiative aimed at easing financial strains on motorcycle, rickshaw, and small vehicle users amidst surging global oil prices. However, the JI firmly criticized the Rs100 petrol relief, emphasizing that it does not replace the need to eliminate the petroleum levy altogether.

Ongoing Protests and Demands

Baloch highlighted that the government’s approach, which includes temporary relief measures, fails to provide genuine assistance to the public. He pointed out that existing taxes and levies have increased consumers’ costs by approximately Rs130 and criticized the government for not reducing its own expenditures while continuing to support powerful sectors like the sugar industry.

The JI's protests, ongoing since August 16, have seen demonstrations in major cities including Lahore, Peshawar, and Karachi. Baloch warned that if the petroleum levy is not abolished, the protests will escalate, potentially culminating in a march to Islamabad on September 20.

Negotiations with Independent Power Producers

During the meeting, Energy Minister Awais Khan Leghari updated the JI delegation on negotiations with independent power producers (IPPs), noting that significant savings of Rs4,600 billion had been achieved. Baloch questioned why these savings had not been passed on to consumers, underscoring the need for transparency regarding the spending of funds raised through the climate support levy.

Source: www.dawn.com