LAHORE, August 8, 2026: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Saturday held a telephone conversation with Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Deputy Chief Liaquat Baloch and offered to brief the party on the country’s prevailing situation amid its protests against the petroleum levy and rising fuel prices.
The development came a day after JI staged nationwide protests against inflation, increased fuel prices, the petroleum levy and taxes. Demonstrations, sit-ins and rallies disrupted traffic on major roads and highways in several cities.
During the conversation, Ahsan Iqbal offered to brief Liaquat Baloch on the current economic and political situation. The two leaders also discussed matters of mutual interest.
Liaquat Baloch, however, called on the government to end what he described as profiteering and excessive charges linked to petroleum products. He expressed confidence that JI’s protest campaign would succeed in securing relief for the public.
Earlier, JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman had demanded the abolition of the petroleum levy, a reduction in petrol prices and the cancellation of agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
Addressing a rally organised by the party’s women’s wing, Hafiz Naeem said a forensic audit of IPPs would expose the alleged involvement of major political figures. He also criticised what he called the “IPPs mafia”, alleging that the public had been burdened with excessive electricity costs.
The JI chief further highlighted the impact of taxes on millions of motorcycle users, describing the petroleum levy as an additional financial burden on ordinary citizens.
The government’s outreach to JI comes amid growing political debate over fuel prices, taxation and the petroleum levy, with the opposition party continuing its campaign for relief to consumers.
