LAHORE: The government and Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) move towards formal talks on the petroleum levy with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif seeking a meeting with Hafiz Naeemur Rehman as his party presses for complete abolition of the levy.

Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who heads the government committee on the issue, contacted JI Vice Emir Liaqat Baloch on Tuesday and conveyed the prime minister’s message regarding the proposed talks.

The development comes after JI launched a campaign against the petroleum levy, demanding its complete abolition and relief for consumers from high energy costs.

Mr Baloch said the prime minister had asked Ahsan Iqbal to coordinate with the JI committee and finalise a mutually-agreed schedule for a meeting between him and the JI Emir.

Published in Dawn, October 7th, 2026