JI, government reach agreement after extended negotiations

RAWALPINDI: Negotiations between Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and a government committee concluded successfully after weeks of negotiations, on Thursday.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman to address national demands. After four rounds of negotiations at the Commissioner’s Office in Rawalpindi, an agreement was reached on several key issues.

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The agreement includes the formation of a task force to address the independent power producers (IPPs) issue, aimed at reducing electricity costs and improving financial sustainability in the power sector. This task force will present its recommendations within a month.

The agreement also stipulates that the federal government will collaborate with provincial authorities to implement an income tax system targeting landlords and large landholders. Tax reductions for salaried people and a decrease in electricity bills are also included in the plan.

A committee of government and exporter representatives will address traders’ issues, with a resolution expected within a month.

Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister of Information Attaullah Tarar confirmed that the government is “committed” to implementing the agreement and reducing electricity prices.

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Attaullah Tarar said he was grateful to the Prime Minister Sharif for approving the demands and assured continued discussions on the agreed committees.

Hafiz Naeem stated that while the sit-in is postponed, Jamaat-e-Islami will continue to monitor the implementation of the agreement and pursue further action if necessary.