PTI announces APC, fuel increase terms ‘unjustified’

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Advocate Gohar Ali Khan on Friday said the party would convene an all-party conference (APC) to discuss the recent rise in oil prices and its impact on the public.

The announcement came during a press conference at the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa House, where Gohar, along with Taimur Saleem Jhagra and Akhunzada Hussain Yousafzai, criticized the price hike as unjustified and detrimental to citizens.

Describing the issue as “very serious”, Gohar said the proposed debate would bring together like-minded political parties to formulate a joint response. “We don’t want the burden to fall on the public,” he said, warning that if prices are not stabilized, the economy of ordinary citizens could be severely affected.

Read: Government increases petrol tax to Rs 161 per liter and sets new price at Rs 458 per liter

The PTI president accused the government of continuing with “extravagant spending” while shifting the burden to the public. “You can’t ask people to act responsibly while you indulge in excesses,” he said.

Criticizing the increase in petroleum tax, he said the government had not provided relief by reducing indirect taxes. Drawing a comparison with India, he said authorities there had reduced excise duties, questioning why similar measures could not be adopted in Pakistan.

Gohar also disputed the government’s claims about fuel availability, noting that officials had stated that oil reserves were sufficient until May. “If there is no shortage, why then do prices rise even under conditions of restricted supply? Where does the product go?” asked.

He alleged that the government lacked public support and was trying to pass on the consequences of its “mismanagement” to citizens. Referring to reports that around 95% of oil supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz, he said there was no sign of disruption, raising questions about the rationale for the increase.

“Mismanagement cannot be justified,” he said, adding that the government was shifting the burden to cover its fiscal deficit.

The PTI president said the issue should not be politicized and described it as a matter of public welfare. “All political forces must come forward. Pakistan and its interests must come first,” he said.

Calling the rise “unnecessarily steep”, he said that although oil prices had increased in 96 countries, Pakistan had witnessed one of the biggest increases after Vietnam. He also alleged that the government had failed to negotiate successfully with the International Monetary Fund.

Highlighting the magnitude of the impact, Gohar said there were around 1.4 million motorcycles in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and more than 2.5 million across the country, suggesting that a large segment of the population would be affected. He further alleged that the government’s measures had opened new avenues for corruption.

He also urged the international community to take action to end the ongoing conflict, which he said was contributing to rising global fuel prices.

Regarding the rally announced on April 9, he said the party had submitted an application to Rawalpindi deputy commissioner seeking permission to hold a rally.

Gohar dismissed reports of differences within the opposition and said there were no rifts with Mehmood Khan Achakzai or Allama Raja Nasir Abbas. He explained that both leaders were currently absent due to Eid-related commitments, but would soon join the party’s efforts. “They will support us and continue to lead the movement,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Jhagra criticized the government’s handling of the situation, questioning why the prime minister addressed the public when prices fell but not when they increased. He said that petrol prices had increased by Rs 137 in a single day, noting that the price stood at Rs 139 in March-April 2022.

Read also: Rana Sanaullah defends the increase in fuel prices and links it to the global crisis

“We now expect the same statements that were made during our mandate,” he said.

Jhagra said that during PTI founder Imran Khan’s tenure, the leadership had prioritized public relief despite reservations from the bureaucracy.

He alleged that the current government was reluctant to confront the public and said the price increase was unnecessary and could have been limited. Making comparisons with India and other countries, he claimed fuel prices there were lower.

Criticizing the government’s subsidy measures, he called them inadequate and warned that higher fuel prices would lead to an increase in the cost of essential goods.

He further alleged that in addition to the price increase, the government had increased oil tax and customs duties, while continuing to impose climate-related levies, including on high-octane fuel.

“This is not just a price increase; additional taxes are also being imposed,” he said.

Jhagra suggested that the government should reduce its own spending, including the sale of state-owned aircraft and the withdrawal of free fuel privileges for senior bureaucrats.