JI, government deal likely before long march reaches Islamabad

The discussions between the government and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) have apparently made significant headway ahead of the party’s protracted march to Islamabad.

Sources within JI said the government delegation proposed a big public assistance package as part of efforts to meet the party’s requests. But the implementation of the suggested package is subject to approval by JI’s technical committee.

The government team has also informed the JI leaders that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will be part of the suggested measures.

Sources said the prime minister is anticipated to hold talks with the JI leadership after his return to the nation, and would possibly call the party leadership directly.

JI sources stated if the administration showed seriousness to provide relief to the population then a small respite in the lengthy march may be considered.

“But they said that the demonstration will not be called off until the levy allowance is fully scrapped.

A government representative was quoted during the negotiations as saying that Jamaat-e-Islami is a party of the people and the government would welcome any steps aimed at delivering relief to the population.

JI leader Liaquat Baloch claimed the main reason of the action was to provide assistance to the people.

If government was serious about resolving the public concerns, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would have to be fully involved in the negotiations, he said.