Govt reportedly proposes one-year abolition of petroleum levy amid JI march

The government has reportedly proposed abolishing the petroleum levy for a period of one year in an effort to persuade Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) to end its ongoing long march.

According to sources, the JI march is currently moving from Rohri towards Multan, while the government has once again contacted the party’s leadership and urged it to call off the protest.

JI, however, has maintained that the march will continue until the petroleum levy is completely abolished.

Sources said the government has proposed removing the petroleum levy for one year and is also expected to present a broader relief package aimed at reducing the financial burden on the public.

The proposal will reportedly be placed before JI’s technical committee for consideration and approval. A government delegation has also assured the JI leadership that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is supportive of the proposed relief measures.

A meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and JI leadership is also expected following his return to the country. JI has indicated that it may consider pausing its march if the government demonstrates concrete and serious steps towards providing relief to citizens.

However, the party has reiterated that it will not call off the protest unless the petroleum levy is fully abolished.

Members of the government delegation have also expressed support for measures aimed at providing relief to the public. One government representative said elected representatives would welcome initiatives that help reduce the financial pressure on citizens.

Meanwhile, the government is expected to maintain contact with JI leadership as negotiations continue, with discussions potentially leading to an agreement before the march reaches Islamabad.