A worker fills the tank of a car at a fuel station amid concerns about rising fuel prices linked to the US-Israel conflict with Iran. Photo: Reuters (archive)
LAHORE:
A sharp rise in oil prices has triggered a new wave of economic anxiety across Pakistan, with shippers raising rates, companies warning of rising operating costs and ordinary citizens bracing for another inflationary shock in an economy already under severe pressure.
Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman on Saturday slammed the government over the latest rise in oil prices, accusing it of imposing unfair financial burden on ordinary citizens through repeated fuel hikes and excessive taxes despite falling international oil prices.
The criticism came as the SCBA also demanded an immediate reversal of the increase, warning that higher fuel prices would further accelerate inflation and raise the cost of basic goods across the country.
In a statement published on
He said authorities continued to justify the increases by citing fluctuations in the global market while simultaneously levying heavy taxes on oil.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court Bar also expressed concern over the rise in oil prices and urged the federal government to immediately withdraw the increase.
The demand was made during the 28th meeting of the SCBA Executive Committee, chaired by its president, Haroonur Rashid. In a statement issued after the meeting, the association said the increase had further intensified difficulties for the public.
