The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) today announced a series of nationwide protests after condemning the government for unleashing what it termed a “petrol bomb” on the public, following a record overnight increase in petroleum prices that is expected to trigger a severe inflationary spike.
At a press conference, PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh declared that a major demonstration would be held at the Karachi Press Club on Sunday at 4 pm. He urged the public to participate, announcing further protests outside Adiala Jail on 7 April and a ‘Black Day’ rally at Liaqat Bagh, Rawalpindi, on 9 April, with attendees from across Sindh.
Sheikh lambasted the government for the steep rise, stating that petrol prices had surged by Rs137 to Rs458 per litre, while diesel jumped by Rs185 to Rs520 per litre. He highlighted that petrol had only reached Rs150 per litre in the 75 years from 1947 to 2022, whereas the current administration had drastically increased it in just three years.
The PTI leader drew a comparison with global markets, noting that while international crude oil prices were around $107 per barrel-similar to levels in April 2022 during the Russia-Ukraine conflict-Pakistan’s domestic prices had soared disproportionately.
He asserted that Pakistan now has some of the most expensive fuel in the region, contrasting the new prices with significantly lower rates in India (Rs94-Rs103), Bangladesh (Rs116), and Iran (Rs10-Rs15). Sheikh claimed that while other nations had reduced fuel taxes, Pakistan had increased them to Rs160 per litre.
The economic fallout of the hike was detailed by Sheikh, who estimated that every Rs100 price increase places a burden of Rs1,800 billion on the public, with the latest rise potentially costing citizens nearly Rs6,000 billion annually.
He warned that the fuel price surge would drive inflation up by another 40-50%, noting that goods transport fares have already climbed by 70% and LPG prices have hit Rs500 per kg. An increase in electricity tariffs of Rs2 to Rs5 per unit is also anticipated, affecting food and agriculture costs.
Sheikh accused the government of adhering to IMF directives instead of providing public relief, dismissing subsidy schemes as corrupt and inefficient. He criticised officials for maintaining lavish expenditures on luxury vehicles and jets while imposing new taxes.
On the broader economy, he stated the national debt had ballooned from Rs44 trillion in April 2022 to Rs80.5 trillion, an increase of Rs36.5 trillion in four years, leaving every citizen with a debt of approximately Rs325,000.
Echoing these sentiments, Karachi President Raja Azhar called on the government to end its privileges, sell state-owned jets, and repatriate wealth held abroad. He criticised the Prime Minister for advocating austerity while travelling in large convoys and urged Karachi’s citizens to join the Sunday protest as a decisive voice against inflation.
PTI General Secretary Arslan Khalid addressed the deteriorating situation in Karachi, citing recent deaths and widespread flooding caused by rains on 2 April and 19 March. He blamed the city’s woes on failed governance and incomplete infrastructure projects like the Red Line and University Road.
Khalid described Karachi as a “golden bird” being plundered, contributing 90% of Sindh”s revenue while receiving little in return. He claimed that development initiatives started during the PTI government, such as the K-IV project and Green Line, have since been halted.