KARACHI (HRNW): Senior leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan, Khawaja Izharul Hassan, has strongly criticized the federal government’s recent decision to increase petroleum prices, stating that an additional burden of 6.5 billion PKR per day has been shifted onto the masses. In a statement issued from Karachi, Hassan pointed out the stark contrast between global trends and Pakistan’s current situation, noting that while “Ramadan Discount Festivals” are organized worldwide, fuel prices in Pakistan have surged by 55 PKR.
Khawaja Izharul Hassan questioned the timing of the announcement, suggesting that the Prime Minister should have at least waited for the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. He also highlighted a recurring issue with the implementation of price hikes, asking why announcements are made at 9:00 PM when they only take effect at midnight. According to the MQM leader, this three-hour window allows petrol pump owners—whom he identified as capitalists, feudal lords, and members of the National Assembly—to shut down their stations and hoard existing stock to sell at the higher rate later.
The MQM leader further detailed that Pakistan consumes approximately 750,000 barrels of petrol daily, emphasizing that such a massive price increase directly impacts every segment of society. He called for more sensitive governance that considers the financial struggles of the common citizen during religious festivities and economic hardship.
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