Islamabad:The government’s decision to raise petrol prices by Rs55 per litre has sparked widespread anger, especially among low-income groups who rely on motorcycles and public transport for their daily survival.
They complained that the steep hike in fuel price had placed an unbearable financial burden on struggling families, while the ruling elite continued to enjoy privileges and allegedly misuse government resources without accountability.
The people said motorcyclists, delivery workers and daily wage earners were among the hardest hit. “For people like us who barely feed our families, Rs55 increase per litre is devastating. Meanwhile, powerful officials continue to travel in government vehicles without worrying about fuel costs," Ismail, a motorcycle delivery worker, told 'The News'.
Immediately after announcing the petrol price hike, the prime minister unveiled a series of austerity measures aimed at conserving fuel and cutting government expenditures. Fuel allowances for official vehicles will be reduced by 50 percent for two months, 60 percent of government vehicles will be kept off the road, schools will be closed for two weeks, higher education will shift to online classes, and public sector staff will adopt a four-day work week alongside a 50 per cent work-from-home policy. Private organisations were also advised to follow similar measures.
However, experts warn that these measures will have limited impact unless elite corruption and misuse of government vehicles are addressed. Vehicles meant for official duties are reportedly being used for personal errands, family outings and even school runs.
Some college principals continue to use official vans for private purposes, undermining the government’s fuel-saving policies. The longstanding Transport Monetisation Policy, introduced in January 2012 to replace official vehicles with a monetisation allowance, has largely failed. Officers continue to draw hefty allowances while still using government vehicles, creating a double financial burden on the national treasury.
An official said austerity measures targeting people would have limited impact unless corruption and waste within government ranks were addressed. “Closing schools and restricting office hours may save some fuel, but real savings will come only when misuse of government vehicles by senior officials stops.”
The official called for strict digital tracking of official vehicles, tighter enforcement of monetisation policies and severe penalties for misuse.
“Meaningful austerity can only be achieved when privileges enjoyed by the elite are curtailed, ensuring ordinary citizens do not bear the brunt of policies that fail to target corruption at the top," he said.
