- PTI says new rates compounded by additional taxes.
- Rana Sanaullah calls on the opposition to rise above politics.
- Grants, reliefs announced to the public: Sanaullah.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced plans to convene an All Parties Conference (APC) of “like-minded” parties in response to the massive rise in oil prices.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan made the announcement during a press conference in Islamabad on Friday, criticizing the PML-N-led government for the steep rise in fuel prices.
While acknowledging the impact of the war in the Middle East, he said the government has raised fuel prices excessively, even surpassing increases seen in Nigeria and Vietnam.
PTI’s announcement comes after Thursday’s sharp rise in the prices of petroleum products.
Addressing a press conference alongside 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 an increase of Rs137.23 per litre. Diesel will now cost Rs520.35 per litre, an increase of Rs184.49 per litre,” he said.
PTI, however, rejected the hike and party leaders said the new rates were compounded by additional charges.
Speaking during today’s press conference, PTI leader Taimur Saleem Jhagra said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif himself had earlier announced the reduction in fuel prices.
“Today the Prime Minister cannot meet the public,” he added.
Jhagra claimed that the rise in prices was compounded by extra charges, including an increase in customs duty.
But Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah defended the latest measures on fuel prices, emphasizing subsidies and relief announced to the public.
In a televised speech, Sanaullah said some “few elements were trying to mislead the public” under the current conditions.
He called on 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 and said the prime minister chaired a meeting on Thursday to ensure citizens receive relief.
Farmers and motorcyclists are supported, and subsidies aimed at stabilizing the cost of goods transport, he added.
Sanaullah said the government was making all efforts to keep prices down despite regional tensions causing increases in fuel costs.
He warned that a protracted Middle East conflict could have serious consequences worldwide, including for Pakistan.
