Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has called on the Pakistani government to expand its fuel relief package to include owners of vehicles up to 1,000cc and people working in the agriculture sector. The demand comes amid rising petroleum prices and growing financial pressure on ordinary citizens. JI leader Liaqat Baloch said the government had agreed in principle to extend fuel relief to small-car owners and farmers during recent negotiations with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad.
The existing government relief scheme provides financial assistance to motorcycle and rickshaw owners, as well as people using vehicles with engines up to 800cc. JI wants the programme extended to cover vehicles up to 1,000cc and farmers who depend on diesel for tractors, tube wells and other agricultural machinery. The party has also demanded the abolition of the petroleum levy, arguing that taxes and additional charges on fuel have increased the burden on the public.
Meanwhile, government and JI representatives are continuing discussions to finalise a possible agreement on petroleum prices and public relief. Both sides are reportedly preparing proposals for gradually reducing the petroleum levy and providing targeted assistance to low-income groups. JI has warned that it may resume its protest movement and march towards Islamabad if meaningful relief is not provided. The final decision will determine whether small-car owners and farmers receive additional support in the coming days.
