Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah has announced the formation of a six-member committee, consisting of three government officials and three representatives of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), to discuss steps aimed at providing relief to the public.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Sanaullah stated that 12.7 million people were currently benefiting from the government’s petrol relief programme, which offers a subsidy of Rs100 per litre. He said the number of beneficiaries was likely to increase to 20 million in the coming days.
Sanaullah said the government was working tirelessly to reduce the financial pressure on citizens and hoped that Jamaat-e-Islami would cooperate in efforts to extend further relief. He expressed optimism that the party’s leadership would take the prevailing sensitive situation into account and respond favourably to the government’s appeal.
He maintained that the government appreciated JI’s efforts to secure relief for the people and remained willing to engage in further consultations with the party to consider additional relief initiatives.
The prime minister’s adviser also mentioned concerns regarding the Rs80 levy being imposed, although he did not elaborate on the matter.
Discussing Pakistan’s diplomatic role, Sanaullah said the country was striving to advance global peace and that its efforts were being acknowledged by the international community. He observed that the ongoing conflict had impacted nations around the world and described the meeting involving four Muslim countries as an encouraging message for the Muslim Ummah.
He added that the prime minister and the Field Marshal were actively engaged in diplomatic initiatives. Sanaullah also called on citizens to support the country’s military and political leadership during the current period.
Separately, Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal warned that political uncertainty could damage the economy, adding that domestic unrest and demonstrations could pose a threat to economic stability.
Iqbal acknowledged that political parties had the right to stage protests but emphasised that maintaining political stability was essential. He also highlighted the importance of adopting a lasting strategy to alleviate the public’s financial difficulties.
According to Iqbal, the prime minister and the Jamaat-e-Islami chief had reached an understanding on the importance of reducing public hardship. He said the government had also briefed a JI delegation on the prevailing situation during its meeting with the prime minister.
Iqbal voiced hope that the six-member committee, comprising three representatives from the government and three from JI, would help both sides move towards a practical and mutually acceptable solution.
