ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek i Insaf has strongly rejected the latest increase in petroleum prices, terming the move anti people and accusing the government of shifting the burden of economic mismanagement onto the public.
PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram criticised the decision, arguing that the hike was not driven by global oil prices but by increased taxation aimed at meeting fiscal targets. He said the move exposed what he described as the failure of the government’s economic strategy.
The opposition party warned that the sharp rise in high speed diesel prices would trigger a fresh wave of inflation, particularly impacting transportation, agriculture and food supply chains. It said farmers, already struggling with rising input costs, would be among the hardest hit segments.
In a strongly worded statement, PTI said the government was placing additional financial pressure on citizens already burdened by inflation, high electricity costs and unemployment. It accused the ruling leadership of prioritising revenue generation over public relief.
The party also claimed that during its tenure, fuel price shocks were absorbed through subsidies to protect consumers, maintaining that the current economic situation reflects policy failures and poor governance. It urged immediate reversal of the price hike to prevent further economic strain.
Separately, PTI condemned the continued incarceration of its founding chairman, calling it political victimisation. The party demanded his release, stating that prolonged detention undermines democratic values and raises serious concerns about the rule of law and fundamental rights in the country.
