The government and Jamaat-e-Islami have agreed to constitute a committee to finalize proposals for expanding the Prime Minister's Fuel Relief Scheme.

This was stated by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal while addressing a news conference alongside Prime Minister's Adviser Rana Sanaullah Khan in Islamabad today.

Ahsan Iqbal said the understanding was reached during a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and a Jamaat-e-Islami delegation led by its chief, Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman.

He said the committee will comprise six members, with three representatives each from the government and Jamaat-e-Islami. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah Khan will represent the government.

The Planning Minister said the committee will consider expanding the scope of the petroleum relief scheme to provide further assistance to the public amid rising global oil prices.

He said the committee will also examine proposals for the gradual withdrawal of the petroleum levy in the next budget, keeping in view the country's economic situation and the financial burden on the people.

Ahsan Iqbal highlighted that the government's petroleum relief scheme is already benefiting more than ten million people. He stressed that political stability, national unity and restraint are essential to overcoming the country's economic challenges and ensuring the success of relief measures.

The Minister said the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, coupled with regional tensions and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, has triggered a global energy crisis.

He added that the crisis has led to increases in oil and diesel prices, insurance premiums and transportation costs, besides disrupting gas supplies.