Government seeks delay in JI long march citing security threats
The government and Jamaat-i-Islami concluded their fifth round of talks in Lahore on Saturday without an agreement on postponing the party's planned protest march.
Delegations discuss relief and taxes
A federal delegation led by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal met with JI leaders including Deputy Emir Liaquat Baloch. The government asked the party to postpone its march because of security concerns while promising extraordinary public relief soon. Officials noted that an IMF delegation is expected to visit Pakistan shortly due to international pressure.
JI demands levy withdrawal
Baloch stated that the long march must proceed until the petroleum levy is completely withdrawn. The party has been staging sit-ins across major cities since August 16 to protest the tax on fuel. He warned that practical steps are needed or the group will definitely move forward with its planned protests.
March details remain set
The JI leadership confirmed the march would begin from Karachi on Sunday as originally scheduled. The route is intended to lead toward Islamabad starting on September 20. No final agreement was reached regarding the postponement request made by the state delegation.
All 2 outlets report consistently
No differences in figures, names or dates across these reports.
- Dawn
- Business Recorder
Reported by
2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.