Says the government is not responsible for the rise and introduced targeted subsidies to support vulnerable groups
Advisor to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah. SCREEN GRAB
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, on Friday defended the recent rise in oil prices, saying the government had made sustained efforts to protect the public from the impact and had introduced targeted subsidies to ease the burden on vulnerable groups.
The government on Thursday further hiked petrol price by Rs137 per litre, to an all-time high of Rs458.4, after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif decided to impose more charges on consumers. The government also raised the price of high-speed diesel to Pakistan’s highest level of Rs 520.35. per liter – an increase of Rs 185. per liters or 55%.
Read: Govt hikes petrol tax to Rs161 per litre, sets new price at Rs458 per litre
In a video statement, Sanaullah said the world was facing an unprecedented rise in global oil prices, which had affected Pakistan like other nations. “In view of this situation, the prices of petrol and diesel were hiked,” he said.
He noted that the government had delayed passing on the increase to consumers for three weeks by adopting austerity measures and using financial resources.
“Initially, austerity measures were implemented, after which the prime minister created a fund. About Rs 129 billion was spent from this fund, which enabled the government to keep prices stable for three weeks,” he added.
But, he said, such measures could not be maintained indefinitely. He revealed that extensive consultations were held with chief ministers from all provinces, as well as leaders from Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, along with political, administrative and military leadership, to find ways to minimize the impact on the public. After these considerations, the government decided to introduce targeted subsidies.
Sanaullah said motorcycle users had been identified as one of the most vulnerable groups, while farmers would receive Rs1,500 per hectare to support them in the upcoming harvest season.
He added that freight transport operators will get subsidy ranging from Rs70,000 to Rs80,000 per month, depending on capacity, to prevent fare hikes. Similarly, passenger bus operators would receive Rs100,000 per month to keep fares stable.
Defending the price hike, the adviser said the government was not responsible for the increase but attributed it instead to the ongoing war which had driven up global fuel prices. “Everybody knows who started the war and why,” he noted.
Referring to fuel shortage concerns, he said Pakistan had managed to avoid any disruption in supply due to the Prime Minister’s continued efforts, unlike the situation with the situation in other countries.
Also read: Gasoline price hike sparks NA protests, JI announces nationwide action
Sanaullah criticized elements calling for protests against the government, saying they were ignoring its efforts and trying to incite the public for political purposes. “The government has tried to keep prices low and reduce the burden on the poor. It is also striving to end the conflict,” he said, adding that protests should instead be directed at those responsible for the war.
He warned that if the conflict continues for another two to four months, the situation could worsen globally, not just in Pakistan. “We must face these challenges together and avoid internal divisions,” he said.
He called for restraint and advised citizens to remain vigilant against those who seek to exploit the situation for personal or political gain.
“This is not a crisis of our making,” he said. “We are among those working to resolve it and promote public welfare. As a determined and united nation, we will overcome this challenge as well.”
