Jamaat-e-Islami Sindh leader Kashif Saeed Sheikh strongly condemned the recent increase in fuel prices, terming it a catastrophic blow to the inflation-stricken masses. He warned that the petrol price hike will unleash a new storm of inflation and demanded its immediate withdrawal, calling the increase unbearable.

The government’s increase of Rs14 in petrol and Rs17 in diesel prices within a month has put a heavy burden on citizens. This will lead to a fresh surge in inflation, reduced purchasing power, disruption of business activities, and negative impacts on the national economy.

This move will also increase electricity rates and business expenses, while the increase in diesel prices will further increase transportation costs, which will further increase inflationary pressure.

In a statement issued today, Sheikh also demanded that the government eliminate all taxes and levies on petroleum products and immediately reconsider the current price increases to save businesses, the public, and the economy from destruction. This heavy increase will impact ordinary citizens already suffering from the mill of inflation. He criticized the federal budget, calling it a new wave of inflation for the public and a “pro-poverty” budget.

Since the “fake” PDM government came to power, extreme inflation has crippled the public, with sugar at Rs200 per kg and gas, petrol, and all food items out of reach of the people. He accused the government of making false promises to control inflation and deceiving the public. The salaries of ministers, advisors, members of parliament, the speaker, and the chairman of the Senate have been increased by more than 200 percent, while the salaries of government employees have not been increased significantly. Instead, the administration has imposed additional taxes and increased the prices of gas, petrol, and other essential commodities, depriving people of their fundamental rights.