PESHAWAR: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Naib Amir Professor Ibrahim on Monday said protests organized by the party were continuing across the country, accusing the government of burdening the economy through the petroleum development levy.
Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar, Professor Ibrahim said the petroleum development levy had originally been introduced for the development of the petroleum sector but was now being used by the rulers to cover the budget deficit.
He alleged that the additional taxes collected under the petroleum levy were being spent on the government’s luxuries instead of being used for public welfare and sectoral development.
Professor Ibrahim said if the government’s negotiating committee wanted to hold talks with the JI, it should come to Mansoorah with a clear mandate and engage seriously with the party’s demands.
“The government committee should come with full authority and hold serious negotiations on our demands,” he said.
JI leader has also made it a condition that the government must stop the “unlawful” deals with the IPPs.
Besides, it is also being claimed that some “commissions” are also involved in the LNG industry.
Professor Ibrahim reiterated that the JI would continue its protests and press the government to address the economic concerns raised by the party.
