The recent increase in fuel prices has ignited a wave of discontent among the people, prompting protests across various districts of Sindh.
In a symbolic gesture, protestors in Sujawal district held a mock funeral procession for a motorcycle, a source of the lowest fuel consumption.
The protestors blamed the caretaker government of infringing upon the people’s right to a normal life. They lamented that people are already struggling to afford two meals a day, and the recent hike in fuel prices threatens to further deprive them of life’s essentials.
One of the protestors Daud Zaunr said that the increase in the fuel prices would lead to an unaffordable increase in the prices of essential commodities.
The protesters were firm in their demand urging the caretaker government to rollback all three price increases, which collectively amount to approximately Rs60 per litre for petrol, announced over the past 31 days.
In Hyderabad, the Left Democratic Front organised a rally commencing from the Old Campus of Sindh University and concluding outside the press club.
They called for urgent measures to reduce electricity costs and the prices of petroleum products.
The protestors alleged that the government’s practice of announcing price increases in the early hours on the effective date is designed to benefit petrol pump owners, who can sell stocks purchased at lower rates at new, higher prices.
Bakshal Thalo from the Front, accused independent power producers of overcharging the public and urged the government to consider nationalising these entities for charging unjustified rates.
Taj Marri from the National Party alleged that people are being extorted with exorbitant rates of fuel and electricity under the guise of global market inflation.
During a protest rally outside the Larkana Press Club, protestors blamed the government for imposing inflation on people already struggling with poverty and unemployment.
They alleged that the government is leaving them with no choice but to resort to desperate measures, including crime, if they are unable to make both ends meet.
One of the speakers lamented the government’s failure to address extreme hardships and the plight of the people, including the unchecked hoarding and smuggling of essential items.
Similar protests were held in other cities across Sindh.
In a statement, Qaumi Awami Tehreek (QAT) President Ayaz Latif Palijo, accused the government of committing economic terrorism by blindly following the dictates of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
He warned that if the state doesn’t take measures to curb unchecked inflation, the country may descend into chaos.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 17th, 2023.
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