PTI: Party opposes fuel price hike, demands transparent pricing formula

PTI has strongly opposed the government’s latest increase in petrol and high-speed diesel prices, calling for a transparent fuel pricing mechanism and accusing authorities of passing higher costs on to consumers despite stable global oil prices.

PTI Secretary for Information Sheikh Waqas Akram said the government had failed to pass on the benefits of lower international oil prices to the public. He claimed that officials quickly transferred even small increases in global prices to consumers while adding new taxes.

Akram said the previous PTI government kept petrol prices at Rs150 per litre during a period of high global crude oil prices. He accused the current administration of placing the financial burden on ordinary citizens while failing to address economic challenges.

Furthermore, PTI’s farmers wing urged the government to introduce a transparent, rules-based petroleum pricing formula to ensure fair fuel price adjustments.

The party also referred to a reported incident in Hasilpur, where it claimed a family facing severe financial hardship took the lives of their two children before ending their own lives. PTI linked the tragedy to rising living costs and economic distress.

Meanwhile, PTI criticised the deployment of Frontier Corps personnel and Rangers in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The party also objected to what it described as a month-long communication blackout and reiterated its decision to boycott elections in the region.

According to the statement, PTI supports the Joint Awami Action Committee’s demands for affordable electricity and flour. The party argued that elections held under security restrictions would not reflect a free democratic process.

PTI also accused the government of creating an artificial wheat shortage despite reports of a bumper harvest. The party alleged that more than 3.5 million tonnes of wheat were missing from the supply chain and called for a judicial inquiry and forensic audit into wheat imports and stock management.

In addition, PTI condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan and paid tribute to the security personnel who lost their lives. The party proposed a six-point strategy that includes intelligence-based operations, political dialogue, addressing local grievances and promoting inclusive development.

Finally, PTI renewed its demand for former prime minister Imran Khan to receive a medical examination by his personal doctors. The party alleged that his health had deteriorated during his imprisonment and called for his transfer to a hospital for evaluation in the presence of his family.