Islamic Jamaat and Government Negotiations Expected to Begin Shortly

Rawalpindi: Negotiations between the government and the Islamic Jamaat are anticipated to commence shortly at the Commissioner Office in Rawalpindi. The Islamic Jamaat’s four-member negotiation team, led by Liaquat Baloch, is preparing for the second round of talks.
The Islamic Jamaat has presented ten demands to the government, including a 50% discount on electricity bills for those using up to 500 units, the abolition of petroleum levy, and an immediate rollback of recent increases in petroleum products. Additionally, the party seeks a 20% reduction in the prices of essential goods, the elimination of taxes on stationery items, a 35% cut in non-developmental government expenditures, and the termination of the dollar-based payment agreements with IPPs (Independent Power Producers).
The party also demands a review of all agreements with IPPs, the removal of undue taxes on agriculture and industry, a 50% reduction in the tax burden, promotion of industry, trade, and investment to ensure job creation for youth, the elimination of taxes on salaried classes, and the inclusion of privileged groups in the tax net.
Commissioner Rawalpindi Engineer Aamer Khattak has arrived at the office. The government’s technical committee includes FBR member IR Mir Badshah and Special Secretary Power Arshad Mehmood. Government committee members Amir Maqam, DC Rawalpindi Hassan Waqas Cheema, and MP Dr. Tariq Fazal Choudhry are also present at the Commissioner Office. The head of the government committee, Federal Minister for Information Atta Tarar, is awaited. The Islamic Jamaat’s delegation is present at the venue under the leadership of Liaquat Baloch.