Opp slams govt over rising inflation

Says Punjab facing 16-hour power outages

ISLAMABAD:

Leaders of Tehreek Tahaffuz Aain-e-Pakistan (TTAP) on Wednesday launched a scathing critique of the government's economic management, accusing it of benefiting "mafias" through fuel pricing and failing to provide relief to the public.

Addressing a news conference, Salman Akram Raja said the country was facing "extremely grave" economic conditions, questioning what he termed the "Form 47 government" is doing to ease public hardship. He said the common man, particularly the poor, was struggling to make ends meet, adding that it was the opposition's duty to present the truth before the people.

Raja said that even after 78 years, the country had failed to establish a strong industrial base, with no major international company willing to invest.

He reiterated that the opposition would continue raising its voice.

Raja maintained that the decision to cancel the April 9 rally was appropriate, adding that the party was in contact with international diplomats and could not issue threats during efforts aimed at promoting global peace.

He said the PTI founder Imran Khan had instructed Barrister Salman Safdar to cancel the rally and focus on peace diplomacy.

Raja added that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Safdar held discussions with him via video link.

He said the PTI founder had appreciated the efforts of Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, stressing that no one other than the party founder could delegate or withdraw their responsibilities.

Speaking on the occasion, former governor Muhammad Zubair said the opposition had anticipated a rise in petroleum prices amid Iran-US tensions, adding that they knew the government would face difficulties in handling the situation. He claimed that oil mafias reaped billions of rupees in gains, particularly in March, by selling previously stocked fuel at higher prices.

Zubair alleged that petroleum bought at $60–65 per barrel was sold at $80–85, while prices surged sharply within three weeks. He said the opposition had raised its voice over the issue, forcing the prime minister to reduce prices. He further criticised the steep increase in diesel prices, claiming even locally refined fuel was priced at international rates.

"The government has looted the public to benefit oil companies," he said, demanding accountability over who authorised such decisions.

Zubail welcomed the expected financial support from Saudi Arabia, but said it would likely be used to replace existing liabilities, including loans from Dubai. He added that Saudi Arabia had consistently supported Pakistan in difficult times.

Taimur Jhagra said the government had failed to maintain stable fuel prices, and alleged a combination of "incompetence and daylight robbery". He said the government had completely failed to stabilise the economy over the past four years and showed no signs of improvement.

Referring to the IMF's governance report, Jhagra said it highlighted widespread corruption. He also pointed to worsening power outages, claiming load shedding in Punjab had reached up to 16 hours, while Islamabad and other areas were also affected.

In Peshawar, he said, outages extended up to 22 hours, with no effective response from the government.