Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Emir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman has said the party will consider delaying its long march against the petroleum levy after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif requested a pause for a few days.

Speaking in Multan on Tuesday, Hafiz Naeem said the party would consult its Shura before making a final decision. He said JI wanted to give the government an opportunity to address public concerns through talks.

The prime minister contacted Hafiz Naeem by phone after the JI’s train march reached Multan. Shehbaz Sharif offered to meet the JI chief after returning to Pakistan and hold talks on the petroleum levy.

Hafiz Naeem said JI did not want a law and order situation or confrontation with the government. However, he maintained that the party had taken to the streets to raise public concerns and would continue to exercise its right to protest.

He added that even if the march is delayed at the government’s request, JI will not abandon its campaign or its demands.

The JI train march reached Multan late Monday night after beginning its journey from Karachi. Hafiz Naeem addressed supporters at the railway station and said the train had faced a four-hour delay.

JI is demanding the withdrawal of the petroleum levy and relief for consumers. Hafiz Naeem has also highlighted rising prices of wheat, flour and sugar as major concerns for the public.

The party had planned to continue its march through Punjab before reaching Islamabad.