Jamaat-e-Islami leader seeks talks on petroleum prices

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has stated that while the party previously declined government offers for talks during recent protests, they are now open to serious negotiations regarding petroleum product prices. The party has submitted a list of recommendations to the government to eliminate the petroleum levy, which they argue is a result of poor economic policies rather than global market fluctuations.

Ur Rehman warned that if the government does not demonstrate seriousness in negotiations or remove the petroleum levy, a new protest will be announced for the night of September 10, with a decision on an Islamabad march to follow. He also called for legislative changes to grant the State Bank of Pakistan greater autonomy and urged the government to work effectively with the bank to reduce policy rates.

Addressing regional issues, the Jamaat-e-Islami leader criticized the governance in Sindh, citing widespread corruption and a feudal mindset as primary causes for public hardship. He highlighted the lack of basic infrastructure, such as roads and water, in Karachi and Hyderabad. He advocated for the empowerment of local governments and the creation of administrative units to address the sense of deprivation in the province.