People from different walks of life on Wednesday rejected the downward revision in the prices of petroleum products by terming it a cruel joke played with the price stricken masses of the country. During a survey conducted by Online, people expressed concern over the nominal decrease and said the repressive policies and unjust taxation is bleeding the economy of the country and masses dry while the rulers remained totally indifferent. Ayyan Ali, a businessman, said the harsh policies and unilateral decisions were systematically destroying the economy while the business community continued to suffer in a crippling environment. He stated that the infamous decisions have left the business community dysfunctional and dejected as country’s economic progress has slowed down. He said the incompetent government has taken a huge electoral risk by triggering unrest while the ‘friendly’ opposition continues to cheat the masses on every issue. Akbar Mehdi, a government employee, said the government’s supporters have failed to convince the masses that a major reduction in petroleum prices was not possible. He stated that the government drastically increased prices but failed to bring them down by a significant amount. He said when the incumbent government took charge, petrol was priced at Rs 63 per litre and now it has crossed the historic mark of Rs 100 per litre. Oil companies earned billions of rupees in profits, but the petroleum ministry is still employing tactics to maximise the profits of the oil mafia, he said. He demanded the government to provide relief to the masses by decreasing the prices by a significant amount. Yasmin Rehman, a housewife, while expressing concern over the recent decrease said the government is plundering the country’s resources. She said it was difficult to cover household expenses but the decision makers of the county were not concerned with the situation. She demanded complete withdrawal of the price hike. Abrar Mustafa, a social worker, said increasing the petroleum prices has put national security in danger. He said the masses were being milked through indirect taxation to provide luxuries to the ruling elite. Abrar added that the people of the country will have to come forward to find a solution to their issues and to bring a positive change in the country.
