ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has stated that as soon as oil prices begin to fall in the global market, the Prime Minister will pass the benefit on to the public.
Addressing a ceremony in Lahore, he noted that the public is facing immense hardship due to petrol prices. He affirmed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s commitment to making decisions that enhance Pakistan’s prestige globally, reiterating that the benefits of any drop in international oil prices would be transferred to the people.
The Petroleum Minister pointed out that while oil is currently at $114, diesel—which was previously at $114—has risen to $160. He highlighted that the Prime Minister reduced the price of petrol by 100 rupees per liter, and noted that over six million people have registered their motorcycles and vehicles; indeed, the number of individuals owning motorcycles that are twenty years old is close to six million.
He stated that the Prime Minister and the current government would not take a single step back during this difficult time. If the subsidy system needs to be maintained for ten months, the government is prepared to divert 400 to 500 billion rupees from its budget to support the public.
He emphasized that the Prime Minister is acutely aware of the people’s pain and difficulties, and assured that they would not repeat the actions taken by the previous government in 2022.
He asserted that neither personal existence nor politics is more important than Pakistan. He warned that if anyone believes they can liberate someone by marching on Islamabad, they are mistaken; the state is not that weak.
He recalled how Mian Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif had written a letter to Mr. Achakzai on the floor of the assembly, asking: Is it not time now for everyone to return to their respective posts and discharge their responsibilities in the best possible manner? Isn’t it the need of the hour for Sohail Afridi to visit the homes of the martyrs?
My only concern is that this negligence might pose a threat to the state; it is not appropriate for us to get bogged down in our own internal squabbles at a time like this, he added.
He noted that a terrorist incident occurred in Dera Ismail Khan, resulting in thirteen to fourteen fatalities and an attack on Rescue 1122 vehicles; lives were also lost in Bannu and other areas. May Allah Almighty grant the martyrs a high place in Paradise.
