ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram Saturday strongly condemned the “Form 47” regime’s latest act of “economic terrorism”, a cruel increase of Rs13.18 per litre in petrol and Rs13.80 in diesel prices, taking them to Rs310.71 and Rs323.30 per litre, respectively.
“This hike comes while global oil prices have been stable or declining. The regime’s pricing science is consistent: relief from falling global prices never reaches the public, but any minor increase abroad is passed on within 48 hours with added taxes,” he charged in his reaction to the widely criticised development.
During Imran Khan’s tenure, he claimed, petrol was kept at Rs150 per litre despite the worst global crude supercycle. Those who once demanded Rs70 petrol now shamelessly justify prices crossing Rs300 to 400. This regime has perfected the art of shifting every burden onto the people while shielding its own failures.
Meanwhile, he noted, in Hasilpur, parents crushed by poverty and unable to pay rent or a Rs17,500 electricity bill, poisoned their two young children before taking their own lives. “Hungry children cried for milk that could not be bought. The regime bears direct responsibility for creating conditions that drive citizens to such despair,” he added.
“The demands of the Joint Awami Action Committee for affordable electricity and flour are legitimate. The PTI warns that holding any election under siege would be a pre-arranged selection, not democracy. We demand immediate lifting of restrictions. The PTI stands with the people of Kashmir and will not participate in any election. The PTI stands firmly with its decision of boycott of elections in Kashmir,” he stressed.
Despite claims of a bumper crop, he lamented the regime had created yet another artificial wheat crisis - the third under its watch - with over 3.5-million-ton shortage and plans to import 2 million tons. Reports confirm 4.5 million tons have vanished from Punjab government warehouses.
“Flour now costs Rs130 to 150 per kg against Rs65 to 70 during the PTI government. Farmers have been ruined by high input costs. The PTI demands a judicial inquiry into the missing wheat and a forensic audit of import decisions,” he argued.
He said his party condemns recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan and pays tribute to martyred security personnel; purely military approaches have failed for five decades. The PTI’s six-point roadmap includes: modern intelligence driven operations, addressing public grievances, dialogue with constitutional nationalists, distinguishing between those who respect the Constitution and those who do not, equitable use of resources for local development, and an inclusive political process involving all stakeholders.
The “Form 47” regime, he claimed, stands exposed for economic warfare against citizens, suppression of peaceful dissent, engineered crises for corrupt gain, and vindictive political persecution. The PTI will continue to resist this tyranny through every constitutional and democratic means. The struggle for justice and accountability continues will continue, he added.
