Fourth government, JI talks fail to resolve issues

RAWALPINDI: The fourth round of talks between the government and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) ended without a resolution on Wednesday.

The discussions took place at the Commissioner’s Office in Rawalpindi.

Read more: “Electric bombs”: JI leader slams government for economic failures

Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Maqam, and senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry represented the government.

Jamaat-e-Islami’s delegation was led by Liaqat Baloch.

Tarar said some issues were agreed upon in writing, but major points remain unresolved. He noted that the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif aimed to reduce electricity prices and has proposed a Rs50 billion subsidy for consumers using up to 200 units of electricity for June, July, and August.

A task force will review issues related to independent power producers (IPPs), with Sharif overseeing the effort.

Read more: JI announces end to Rawalpindi sit-in; announces countrywide sit-ins

Liaqat Baloch criticised the government’s handling of IPP contracts and said the sit-in, now in its thirteenth day, seeks public relief. Baloch confirmed a planned march at 6 pm on Thursday and urged the government to address their demands to avoid further public hardship.

The next session of negotiations is scheduled for Thursday.