PTI to convene APC with allies over massive fuel price hike

PTI  – (Web Desk) – PTI has decided to call an All Parties Conference. They want to bring together parties who think like them. The reason is simple. Fuel prices just went through the roof.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan spoke to reporters in Islamabad on Friday. He was clearly unhappy with the PML-N government. He said the government raised fuel prices way too much. He even pointed out that Pakistan’s increase is bigger than what Nigeria and Vietnam saw. Yes, those countries too.

Now here is what actually happened on Thursday. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik held a press conference with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. He announced the new fuel prices. Petrol now costs Rs458.41 per litre. That is a jump of Rs137.23. Diesel went up too. It now stands at Rs520.35 per litre, which is Rs184.49 more than before.

The minister blamed the war in the Middle East. He said global energy costs are rising because of it.

But PTI is not buying that explanation. Party leaders say the prices are even higher because of extra taxes and levies added on top. They believe the government is using the war as an excuse.

So what happens next? PTI wants to sit down with other parties and figure out a response together. The APC will likely be held soon.

Speaking during today’s press conference, PTI leader Taimur Saleem Jhagra said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had previously announced the lowering of fuel prices himself.

“Today, the prime minister cannot face the public,” he added.

Jhagra alleged that the increase in prices was amplified by extra levies, including a rise in customs duties.

However, PM’s adviser Rana Sanaullah defended the recent measures on fuel pricing, emphasising subsidies and relief announced for the public.

In a televised address, Sanaullah said that a “few elements were trying to mislead the public” in the current conditions.

He urged the opposition to rise above political interests and cooperate with the government to strengthen the country.

Sanaullah explained that austerity measures and targeted relief were being implemented, saying the prime minister chaired a meeting on Thursday to ensure citizens receive relief.

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Farmers and motorcyclists are being supported, and subsidies aimed at stabilising goods transport costs, he added.

Sanaullah said that the government made all efforts to keep prices down despite regional tensions causing fuel cost increases.

He warned that a prolonged Middle East conflict could have severe consequences worldwide, including for Pakistan.