Fourth round of talks between JI and govt ends without resolution

Positive discussions were held… some issues have been agreed upon in writing, says Attaullah Tarar

The fourth round of negotiations between the government and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) ended without a resolution on Wednesday. The government handed over a draft addressing Jamaat-e-Islami's demands, with the next session scheduled for Thursday.

The talks, held at the Commissioner's Office in Rawalpindi, saw participation from Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Engineer Amir Maqam, senior PML-N leader Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, and the Prime Minister's Media Coordinator Badr Shahbaz Warraich.

Also present were the RPO Rawalpindi and Commissioner Rawalpindi. The Jamaat-e-Islami delegation was led by Liaqat Baloch.

Following the talks, Attaullah Tarar told the media, "Positive discussions were held with Jamaat-e-Islami. Some issues have been agreed upon in writing. The prime minister's agenda is to reduce electricity prices, with a subsidy of 50 billion rupees provided to consumers using up to 200 units for June, July, and August."

Tarar added that a task force has been established to review the matters of Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is committed to these measures. "Many issues have been agreed upon, with more to be resolved," he said.

Liaqat Baloch of Jamaat-e-Islami commented, "We are protesting for public relief. Our sit-in has been ongoing for thirteen days, organised, peaceful, and representative of the people. We will march around 6pm tomorrow. The government has no choice but to seriously consider the IPP issues. We will keep the public informed of any negotiation progress through the media."