PTI leaders lash out at govt over fuel price hike, announce nationwide protests

Senior leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have strongly criticized the government over the recent surge in petroleum prices, terming it unjustified and harmful for the public, during separate press conferences held in Islamabad and Lahore.

At a press conference at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said the party’s agenda was focused on a single issue — the recent hike in fuel prices. He stated that the increase would severely affect ordinary Pakistanis, particularly poor farmers.

Gohar noted that although petroleum prices had risen in 96 countries, Pakistan experienced one of the highest increases, second only to Vietnam, even surpassing Nigeria. He alleged that the government had failed to reach an effective agreement with the International Monetary Fund and questioned its economic management, criticising authorities for not taking parliament into confidence.

He pointed to what he described as poor planning and extravagant spending, claiming that the petroleum levy was not being reduced due to the government’s inability to control expenditures. Other PTI leaders, including Taimur Saleem Jhagra and Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai, also endorsed the party’s stance and expressed concern over the growing economic burden on the public.

Meanwhile, speaking at the Lahore Press Club, PTI leader Salman Akram Raja termed the recent increase in petroleum prices as “the biggest increase in history,” saying it has impacted all sectors of the economy. He recalled that when the PTI government was removed in April 2022, petrol was priced at Rs150 and diesel at Rs144.

Raja rejected the government’s justification linking the hike to global conflicts, stating that such increases have not been witnessed elsewhere. He claimed that the petroleum levy rose from Rs81 before the war to Rs160 afterward.

Criticizing government spending, he alleged that a plane worth Rs12 billion and a car worth Rs130 million for the Senate chairman were purchased, calling it a system that favors the elite. He further alleged that democratic values have been undermined, claiming that the voices of millions were suppressed during the February 8 elections and that the current government lacks public mandate.

Raja warned that a system without genuine political representation leads to oppression and reiterated that PTI remains a people’s party. He announced that an All Parties Conference (APC) would be convened soon, followed by nationwide protests within the next two days.

On the occasion, Moeen Qureshi said that the people of Punjab had given PTI a mandate and it was their right to raise public issues in the assembly. He highlighted the wheat crisis, stating that farmers are on the brink of destruction, and criticized the government for ignoring opposition concerns, including the sugar scandal.

Qureshi urged the government to reduce expenditures, including luxury assets, and called for relief measures in the education sector, such as fee exemptions for struggling institutions.

The PTI leadership reiterated its demand for immediate relief and warned that protests would intensify nationwide if the government fails to address the economic challenges faced by the public.