MULTAN/NEW YORK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif telephoned Jamaat-e-Islami emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Tuesday, just as the party's train march against the petroleum levy pulled into Multan, appealing to the party to hold off its protest until he returns to the country, according to a Jamaat-e-Islami spokesperson.
The prime minister made the request after the Jamaat-e-Islami emir reached Multan, leading the party's train march towards the federal capital. PM Shehbaz also said he was ready to hold meaningful talks with the Jamaat-e-Islami on the petroleum levy after returning to Pakistan, the spokesperson said.
Hafiz Naeem told the prime minister that the party did not seek any law and order problem or confrontation with the government. However, he said the Jamaat-e-Islami had taken to the streets to raise public concerns and the government would have to respect its right to protest.
The Jamaat-e-Islami emir said the party would consult its Shura before responding to the prime minister's request to postpone the march, adding that the caravan would continue towards Lahore after Multan.