The government and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) will hold the final round of talks on abolishing the petroleum levy and a relief package for the public on Tuesday, 10 November.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar contacted JI deputy chief Liaqat Baloch by telephone on Friday, and the two leaders discussed the negotiations in detail. According to Baloch, the negotiating subcommittee has met and the technical committee has completed its work. The next step is for the government to take measures on the petroleum levy and public relief.

The final round will be held at the Foreign Ministry building under Dar's chairmanship. Baloch said JI chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman would personally review the draft before the party announces its next step.

What is reportedly on the table

Sources cited in the reporting say the government has agreed to phase out the levy and give relief to owners of 1000cc vehicles and to the agriculture sector. Dar said JI's protest had been peaceful and within the democratic framework, and that several objectives regarding public relief had already been achieved, while the petroleum levy issue was under consideration for resolution.

The march warning remains

Baloch has warned that JI would be justified in launching a long march if the government fails to provide relief to people hit by inflation. The party has said its protest march would set off from Multan towards Islamabad in mid-November if no relief is announced.

Any change to the petroleum levy would affect the price households and transporters pay for fuel. Petrol stood at Rs346 per litre and high-speed diesel at Rs378 per litre on 7 November. Relief for 1000cc vehicles and agriculture, if agreed, would concern motorists and farmers in particular, but nothing is agreed in writing yet.

[Source: khabr.pk](https://khabr.pk/en/news/govt-jamaat-e-islami-petroleum-levy-talks-final-round) | [Source: Pakistan Point](https://pakistanpoint.com/s/2285722)