Ahsan Iqbal, head of the Federal Minister Planning and Negotiation Team has said that some national economic realities cannot be denied.
Speaking to the media after the talks with the delegation of Jamaat-e-Islami in Islamabad on petroleum levy, Ahsan Iqbal said that the proposals of Jamaat-e-Islami are related to various ministries, their opinion will be taken.
He said that the government will welcome the feasible proposals and clarify on the impracticable proposals, some national economic realities cannot be denied.
The federal minister further said that the policy rate is decided by the State Bank and not by the government. There will be a second round of negotiations in three days after taking feedback from the relevant institutions on the proposals.
Ahsan Iqbal also said that it was decided in Lahore that there will be a detailed discussion on petroleum levy in Islamabad, we all care about the interest of the people, the government does not want to put additional burden on the people.
He said that if the people can get relief in any way, we ourselves will be very happy. When US-Iran relations improved, petrol prices decreased, due to tension, prices had to be increased.
The Federal Minister said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wishes that the people get relief from the economic recovery.
He said that Jamaat-e-Islami has asked for suggestions, no government wants protests in the country, sometimes the government faces difficulties, negotiations will be held again on Thursday.
On this occasion, Senator Rana Sanaullah said that Jamaat-e-Islami’s pride is that it has kept open the way for negotiations on every issue.
During the conversation, Deputy Amir of Jamaat-e-Islami Liaquat Baloch said that he is happy that the PML-G government has given priority to negotiations, protest is not the solution, negotiations are the last resort.
He said that due to the high cost of electricity, gas and petrol, the frustration of the people is increasing, the suggestions of Jamaat-e-Islami have been given to the government.
Naib Amir Jamaat-e-Islami added that Jamaat-e-Islami has placed six proposals before the government, the government will review our proposals, the government has asked for three days’ respite.
He said that the petrol levy government has received more than the budget target, they know that the IMF is under pressure, many decisions are forced by the government.
Liaquat Baloch said that talks with the government will continue, Jamaat-e-Islami protests will continue.
Jamaat-e-Islami’s protests against the petroleum levy are ongoing in 10 cities of the country, including the provincial capitals.