ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The fifth round of talks between the government and Jamaat-e-Islami has brought a possible breakthrough, with the government offering a major public relief package ahead of the party’s planned “Super Long March” towards Islamabad.
According to sources within Jamaat-e-Islami, the government has offered a significant relief package for the public, but its implementation would be subject to approval by the party’s technical committee.
The government delegation also assured the Jamaat-e-Islami leadership that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was being kept informed about the negotiations. A meeting between the prime minister and the party leadership is expected after his return to Pakistan, while direct contact between Shehbaz Sharif and Jamaat-e-Islami leaders is also possible.
The fifth round of negotiations was held at Jamaat-e-Islami headquarters in Mansoorah, Lahore. The government delegation was led by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and included Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah and Punjab Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique. Jamaat-e-Islami’s delegation was headed by Deputy Emir Liaquat Baloch.
The talks, however, ended without a final agreement on the party’s demand for withdrawal of the petroleum levy. The government also cited security concerns and asked Jamaat-e-Islami to postpone its planned long march.
Jamaat-e-Islami sources said the party could temporarily pause the march if the government demonstrated seriousness in providing relief to the public. However, they maintained that the march would not be called off until the petroleum levy was abolished.
During the negotiations, a government representative described Jamaat-e-Islami as a representative political party and said the government would welcome measures that provide relief to the people.
Liaquat Baloch said providing relief to the public was the fundamental reason behind the movement. He said that if the government was serious about addressing public concerns, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would have to become directly involved in the negotiations.
The talks come as Jamaat-e-Islami prepares to begin its “Super Long March” from Karachi on Sept. 20 under the leadership of Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman. The party has said caravans from different parts of the country will join the march towards Islamabad.
The government has cited security concerns and pressure from the International Monetary Fund as factors affecting the negotiations, while Jamaat-e-Islami has maintained that practical measures on its demands are necessary before the protest can be called off.