A delegation of Jamaat-e-Islami led by its Ameer Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad today [Tuesday].

During the meeting, the Prime Minister thanked the delegation for choosing the path of negotiations regarding the prices of petroleum products.

The Prime Minister said he fully understands the burden on the public due to the increase in petroleum product prices.

Referring to the relief provided by the government on petroleum products to facilitate low-income segments of society in view of the recent regional situation, Shehbaz Sharif said the government is making all-out diplomatic efforts to resolve the regional crisis so that the situation can return to normal.

The Prime Minister said the current crisis is not related to government policies, but is linked with the surge in oil prices in light of the regional and global situation. However, the government is providing relief to the public according to its financial capacity and will continue to do so in future.

The Prime Minister briefed the delegation in detail about the relief measures in connection with petroleum products being given by the government to low-income groups. He informed the delegation that 12.7 million people have so far been registered under the relief scheme.

It was agreed in the meeting to constitute a committee comprising three members each from the government and Jamaat-e-Islami which will present final recommendations on the measures including enhancing the scope of the existing relief scheme on petrol so that the maximum number of deserving people can benefit from it.

Additionally, viable proposals should be prepared for gradual reduction of the petroleum levy as part of the budget.

The Prime Minister nominated Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, and Prime Minister's Adviser Rana Sanaullah to represent the government in the committee.

The Jamaat-e-Islami delegation included Liaquat Baloch, Syed Firasat Shah, Nasrullah Randhawa, and Inayatullah.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Prime Minister's Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah, and Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani were also present in the meeting.