Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the recent hike in petroleum product prices by the government, describing it as an “inflation bomb” on the poor and middle class, and has warned that the public is not ready to bear further economic exploitation.
In a statement issued today during a visit to Lyari, PDP Karachi President Abdul Hakeem Quaid said that the revision in petrol and high-speed diesel prices, effective from March 1, is an anti-people measure that will lead to a staggering increase in the prices of essential commodities.
Addressing party officials and workers in the Bakra Piri and Bihar Colony areas, Quaid described the rising inflation as a “national sport of the rulers,” where new records are set every fortnight. Pasban Lyari Town General Secretary Javed Iqbal, Vice President Imdad Baloch, and other local officials were also with him on this occasion.
Quaid questioned whether the administration would ever apply the real “balm of relief” for the citizens or if such promises would remain confined to speeches only. He pointed out that transporters have already prepared for fare hikes, while fruit and vegetable vendors have also independently updated their price lists in view of higher costs.
The party leader highlighted the contradiction that on one hand, sacrifices are being demanded from the common public-already burdened by unemployment and hefty utility bills-and on the other hand, the ruling class is not willing to reduce its expenses, privileges, and protocols.
The Pasban leadership strongly demanded the immediate withdrawal of the recent hike in fuel prices. They demanded a significant reduction in the heavy taxes and levies imposed on petroleum products.
Furthermore, the party urged the introduction of an effective subsidy system to provide real relief to the public, reiterating that the people can no longer tolerate such economic pressure.