Petrol price hike: In G-B, people resent government’s decision

Discontent grows, residents question govt’s sincerity.

GILGIT:

The escalation in petroleum prices announced late Tuesday night has triggered a new debate in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) as people have begun to question the federal government’s resolve to serve the nation.

“The government keeps on harping on its achievements and the fact that it is a democratic government serving the people, but its actions belie its claims,” said Ghiyas Khan, a resident of Gilgit. Dozens of residents voiced their growing discontent to The Express Tribune and questioned the government’s sincerity to work for public welfare.

Already marred by power crisis and freezing cold, G-B residents said the notification had impacted their lives like a “petrol bomb”. Instead of providing basic necessities, the “people-friendly” government is making it difficult for us to be able to afford food and security. Local businessman Arman Adil was worried that the impact of inflation would have a domino effect on the region’s financial stability, comparing it to an act of terrorism claiming innocent lives as collateral damage. He said the people were already cash- and resource-strapped and that inflation would compound their misery.

“It is simply a nightmare given that life is already miserable for various reasons, including weather conditions and law and order,” said a student. “How will we survive after this hike?” Tanir Ali and many others like him questioned. The abrupt increase in petroleum prices has dealt a crushing blow to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. Maqsood Mohammad, an NGO employee, said he was unable to find a way out of this treacherous web.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 2^nd, 2012.