Punjab Assembly opposition leader criticises government over petrol price hike and supply issues

LAHORE: Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, Moin Riaz Qureshi, has strongly criticised the government for what he described as its failure to effectively manage the country’s petrol supply. Speaking at a press conference at the Lahore Press Club on Monday, Mr Qureshi, accompanied by MPAs Imtiaz Ali Warraich, Farrukh Javed Moon, Haroon Akbar, and Hanbal Sana Kareemi, condemned the recent increase in petrol prices by Rs55.55 per litre, calling it an act of 'economic murder' against the poor.

Mr Qureshi stated, “Poverty has reached 43 per cent and unemployment is at a 21-year high.” He argued that the surge in fuel prices would open the floodgates of inflation, further burdening the public. He also warned that the hike would severely impact farmers, especially in the wake of ongoing wheat and sugar crises.

The opposition leader accused the government of neglecting the interests of the people, referring to it as a 'Form-47 government.' He lamented that the administration had failed to provide support to those most affected by economic challenges. Mr Qureshi contrasted the current situation with the period during the PTI government, stating that despite the global economic crisis caused by Covid, Pakistan’s economy had remained stable at that time. He claimed that the present economic difficulties were a result of the current government’s incompetence.

Mr Qureshi concluded by expressing concern that the government's actions were leading to the collapse of the economy and causing hardship for ordinary citizens, particularly those in the agricultural sector.