Islamabad, 28 October, 2026 (Ghufran): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday met a delegation of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), led by Ameer Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, with both sides agreeing to establish a joint committee to formulate recommendations on petroleum relief measures and a phased reduction in the petroleum levy. According to a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the delegation included JI leaders Liaquat Baloch, Syed Farasat Shah, Nasrullah Randhawa and Inayatullah. The prime minister thanked the delegation for opting for dialogue on petroleum prices, while the JI representatives presented their demands regarding the abolition of the petroleum levy and relief for the public. Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the financial burden caused by rising petroleum prices and said the government was making diplomatic efforts to resolve the regional crisis and restore normalcy. He maintained that the current situation was linked to regional and international developments affecting global oil prices rather than government policies. The prime minister said the government was providing relief within its financial capacity and would continue its efforts. He also informed the delegation that 12.7 million people had been registered under the existing petroleum relief scheme for low-income groups. Under the agreement, a joint committee comprising three representatives each from the government and Jamaat-e-Islami will submit final recommendations on expanding the petroleum relief scheme to benefit more deserving people and developing practical proposals for a gradual reduction in the petroleum levy through the budget.