- PTI says new rates compounded by additional levies.
- Rana Sanaullah urges opposition to rise above politics.
- Subsidies, relief announced for public: Sanaullah.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced plans to convene an All Parties Conference (APC) of “like-minded” parties in response to the massive hike in petroleum product prices.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan made the announcement during a press conference in Islamabad on Friday, slamming the PML-N-led government for the sharp increase in fuel prices.
While acknowledging the impact of the war in the Middle East, he said that the government has raised fuel prices excessively, even surpassing increases seen in Nigeria and Vietnam.
The PTI’s announcement comes following Thursday’s sharp increase in the prices of petroleum products.
Addressing a press conference along with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik announced the hike in petrol and diesel prices, citing rising global energy costs, triggered by the ongoing war in the Middle East.
“The new petrol price has been fixed at Rs458.41 per litre, marking a rise of Rs137.23 per litre. Diesel will now cost Rs520.35 per litre, up by Rs184.49 per litre,” he said.
However, the PTI rejected the hike, with party leaders saying the new rates were compounded by additional levies.
Speaking during today’s press conference, PTI leader Taimur Saleem Jhagra said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had previously announced the lowering of fuel prices himself.
“Today, the prime minister cannot face the public,” he added.
Jhagra alleged that the increase in prices was amplified by extra levies, including a rise in customs duties.
However, PM’s adviser Rana Sanaullah defended the recent measures on fuel pricing, emphasising subsidies and relief announced for the public.
In a televised address, Sanaullah said that a “few elements were trying to mislead the public” in the current conditions.
He urged the opposition to rise above political interests and cooperate with the government to strengthen the country.
Sanaullah explained that austerity measures and targeted relief were being implemented, saying the prime minister chaired a meeting on Thursday to ensure citizens receive relief.
Farmers and motorcyclists are being supported, and subsidies aimed at stabilising goods transport costs, he added.
Sanaullah said that the government made all efforts to keep prices down despite regional tensions causing fuel cost increases.
He warned that a prolonged Middle East conflict could have severe consequences worldwide, including for Pakistan.
