The Coordinator of the Awam Pakistan party and former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has criticized government decisions, questioning the recent decision to link the development of the road in Baluchistan with oil savings.
“If there are no oil savings, does that mean that roads in Baluchistan will not be built?” asked.
When addressing a press conference in the Federal Capital, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi strongly criticized the government for two main national problems: the deepening crisis facing farmers and the lack of relief in oil products for the public.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi declared that Pakistan farmers are currently supporting severe difficulties and are protesting throughout the country, however, their complaints are not being addressed.
“Farmers grow wheat, which becomes the nation’s flour. If the farmer is in danger, they will all be affected,” he said.
He pointed out that farmers also faced difficulties in 2023, and in 2024 the government announced that it would not buy wheat at RS4,000 for 40 kg. As a result, farmers were forced to sell at variable prices, some at RS2,200 and others at RS2,400 per 40 kg.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi added that with a strong increase in urea and electricity prices, farmers are now obliged to sell wheat at RS2,100 per 40 kg, despite the fact that its production cost is much higher.
“When the agriculture prosperous, the country prosper. But today, farmers invest their assets and still cannot obtain profits.”
He warned that if the situation continues, Pakistan may have to import wheat next year. He demanded that if local markets are not favorable for farmers, at least they should be allowed to export their wheat.
“Today, it costs a farmer RS3,000 producing a 40 kg wheat bag, but they are forced to sell it at RS2,100. Do not sacrifice farmers for some votes,” said Abbasi. “If your income does not grow, other sectors such as tractors and motorcycles will also be affected.”
He also criticized the Punjab government incentive scheme, saying that he only benefits a few, while most farmers remain private.
He asked that the government establish a fair support price that benefits both the public and the agricultural community.
In the second half of the press conference, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi strongly criticized the government for not providing relief to oil products. He pointed out that global oil prices have fallen several times, however, the government has failed to convey these savings to the public.
“There was room for a reduction of RS10 in the old billing calculations, but people still did not receive relief,” he said.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi questioned why fuel prices are transmitted to consumers when international markets increase but not when they fall.
“We hear that oil profits will be used to build roads in Baluchistan, but if there are no savings, will Baluchistan not get roads?” asked.
He concluded by saying that national progress comes from positive government decisions, but this administration has once again lost the opportunity to provide relief to the public.
Previously, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that instead of transmitting the relief of reduced oil prices in the international market to consumers, the government would use the money saved for the reconstruction of the N-25 road and the completion of phase II of the Kachhi channel project in Baluchistan.
The prime minister made the announcement while presiding over the federal cabinet meeting, where he declared the transformation of the N-25, infamously known as the “mortal road”, on a standard highway road.
