Political Leaders Slam Government Over Massive POL Increase
Leaders from political and public sectors have strongly criticized the latest increase in petroleum prices. They described the move as the height of injustice against citizens. Petrol has reached Rs458 per litre, while diesel now stands at Rs520 per litre. The sudden surge has triggered anger across the country. Many believe the decision will deepen economic hardships for ordinary people.
Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik announced the increase late Thursday night. Petrol prices were raised by Rs137.23 per litre. High-speed diesel saw an even bigger jump of Rs184.49 per litre. The government linked the hike to rising global oil prices and the ongoing Middle East conflict. However, critics argue that poor policy decisions are also responsible.
Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman strongly condemned the hike. He called it an extreme injustice for the public. He said the increase would hit lower and middle-income families the hardest. He warned that students, bikers, delivery riders, and daily wage earners would suffer the most. He also described the repeated increases as cruel and unacceptable.
The JI leader pointed out that fuel prices had already been raised earlier. He urged the government to provide immediate relief. He also announced nationwide protests against the decision. According to him, public frustration has reached a critical point.
Transport Sector Warns of Shutdown and Rising Costs
Transport owners have expressed serious concerns over rising diesel prices. The Pakistan Public Transport Owner Association has called an emergency meeting in Lahore. The association said it is becoming impossible to run operations. Transporters claim they cannot increase fares in proportion to diesel costs.
They warned that continued increases may force businesses to shut down. This could disrupt public transport systems across the country. Commuters may face serious difficulties if services are reduced or stopped.
In Karachi, transport leaders also reacted strongly. Malik Shahzad, President of the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, announced a 60% increase in freight charges. He said the hike is necessary to cope with rising fuel costs. He warned that the entire transport system could collapse if the situation continues.
Higher transport costs are expected to push inflation further. Essential goods may become more expensive. This will increase pressure on both businesses and consumers.
Business Community Urges Immediate Policy Reversal
The Pakistan Business Forum has also criticized the government’s decision. It expressed disappointment over the increase in petroleum levies. The levy has reportedly reached Rs160 per litre. Business leaders say this is unsustainable in current economic conditions.
They have urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to remove the levy immediately. The forum stressed that rising fuel costs are hurting businesses. It warned that economic activity could slow down further.
Experts believe that without policy changes, the situation may worsen. Rising fuel prices could impact every sector of the economy. Public anger is also growing as living costs continue to rise.
