The first round of discussions between Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) and the federal government of Pakistan concluded in Islamabad on Monday, focusing on the abolition of the petroleum levy and measures to alleviate public financial strain. JI submitted six proposals to the government committee, advocating for the removal of the Rs80 per litre levy on petrol and diesel, citing its negative impact on the national economy. Both parties have agreed to reconvene for a second round of talks on Thursday, following initial discussions last week that established expert committees to explore potential solutions. JI leader Liaqat Baloch stated that peaceful protests will continue alongside negotiations and urged the government to reduce state expenditures to accommodate tax relief. Baloch further expressed concerns over previously unmet commitments regarding independent power producers and called for the discontinuation of daily petroleum price adjustments. Despite these concerns, he expressed optimism about the government’s commitment to dialogue, maintaining it as the only viable path forward.