ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Miftah Ismail defended federal government’s decision to hike price of petrol after backlash from his party’s supremo Nawaz Sharif and a strong coalition partner PPP. Government jacked up price of petrol by Rs6.72 per litre for next fortnight, taking it to 233.91 per litre, while rate of diesel was also moved up to 244.44 per litre.

 In his press conference, he clarified that he had not stated that he would not be increasing price of petroleum products. “I had never said that I will not increase price of petrol, I had stated that I will not be imposing taxes on petroleum products further,” Miftah said. “I stand behind every decision of government with full responsibility,” finance minister said, noting that no economic decision was taken without his input.

Miftah also said that he respects PPP leadership and would address their reservations over decision related to prices of petroleum products.  In his statement, PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari criticised government for increasing prices despite a massive appreciation in rupee value and a decline in international oil prices.

Expressing concern over development, former President said PPP is a part of government and supports it, but there must be consultations on such decisions. “We are all here in this government to give relief to people and that should be our top priority. We are with prime minister and will meet him soon and talk about economic team.” Government’s decision invited a lot of criticism from public. Citizens are of view that prices of petroleum products are on a downward slope all over world but their prices are being increased in Pakistan.

As people vented out their views on the government’s decision, a user on Twitter tagged Maryam Nawaz and requested her to “speak to Nawaz Sharif to take notice of increase in price of petrol.” Replying to user, Maryam wrote, “Mian Sahib strongly opposed this decision.

He even said that I cannot burden people with one more penny.” She said her father stressed that he was not on board and that if government was bound by some constraint, it should go ahead with increase. Maryam said PML-N supremo disowned POL increase decision and left meeting.

Published in The Daily National Courier, August, 17 2022

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