JI Demands End to IPP Deals, Slams Petroleum Levy
PESHAWAR: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Naib Amir Professor Ibrahim has criticized the government over the petroleum development levy and demanded an end to what he described as unlawful agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
Speaking at a press conference in Peshawar on Monday, Professor Ibrahim said JI protests against the government’s economic policies were continuing across the country. He accused the government of placing an additional financial burden on citizens through the petroleum development levy.
According to the JI leader, the petroleum development levy was initially introduced with the objective of supporting development in the petroleum sector. However, he alleged that the levy was now being used primarily to cover the government’s budget deficit.
Professor Ibrahim further alleged that the additional revenue collected through the levy was not being utilized for public welfare or development of the petroleum sector. Instead, he claimed, government resources were being spent on official luxuries while ordinary citizens continued to face economic difficulties.
The JI leader also addressed the government’s negotiating committee, saying that if the committee genuinely wanted to engage in talks with Jamaat-e-Islami, it should arrive at Mansoorah with a clear mandate and sufficient authority to make decisions.
He stressed that negotiations should be meaningful and focused on addressing the demands raised by the party rather than merely serving as a formal exercise.
A major JI demand, according to Professor Ibrahim, is the termination of what the party considers unlawful agreements with IPPs. He argued that such agreements have contributed to the country’s energy and economic challenges and called for the government to take steps to protect consumers from excessive electricity costs.
Professor Ibrahim also raised concerns about the LNG sector, alleging that commissions were involved in the industry. However, he did not provide further details or evidence regarding the allegations during the press conference.
The JI leader reiterated that his party would continue its protest campaign until the government takes concrete steps to address the economic issues being raised by the party.
He said the government must reconsider policies that increase the financial pressure on citizens and take measures aimed at reducing energy and fuel costs.
The remarks come amid continuing public debate over petroleum prices, taxation, electricity tariffs and the financial burden faced by consumers. The petroleum levy remains an important source of government revenue, while political parties and consumer groups have repeatedly called for greater transparency in the use of funds collected through fuel-related taxes.
Professor Ibrahim said Jamaat-e-Islami would continue to press the government on these issues and would not compromise on its demands regarding the petroleum levy, IPP agreements and broader economic reforms.
