The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Awami National Party (ANP), two leading allies of the Pakistan People’s Party, on Saturday rejected the latest increase in POL prices, saying they could no longer accept injustice with the people of Pakistan.
The ANP has demanded an immediate resignation of PM’s Adviser on Petroleum Dr Asim Hussain, while the MQM has called for the closure of OGRA.
Condemning the increase in POL prices for the second time in a week, ANP spokesman Senator Zahid Khan said if the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources had no role in POL price fixing, it should be dissolved.
He said the POL price-hike-bomb on the people of Pakistan was no more bearable as it increased prices of all commodities. Khan said the ANP had already filed an adjournment motion in the Senate about adjustment in POL prices every month and the party would also protest inside the House over the issue.
MQM Parliamentary Leader in the Senate Tahir Hussain Mashhadi also strongly condemned the increase in POL prices, saying the people were already bearing the brunt of unemployment and price hike and could not afford further price hikes. He vowed to disclose secrets behind the raise in POL prices in the Senate for which an adjournment motion would be filed.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Advisor on Petroleum Dr Asim Hussain said the parliament can reduce petroleum prices by giving subsidy.
Talking to reporters following his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Hussain said that the country is confronted with energy crisis due to mistakes committed by the people who have been ruling over the country.
He said that the government has to face monthly loss of Rs 30 to 40 billion pertaining to provision of electricity. “The government is also trying to mend the situation by 18th Amendment of the constitution but it would be implemented on new gas field,” he said.
The government on Friday increased petroleum, oil and lubricants (POL) prices by up to Rs 8.18 per litre.
Dr Hussain suggested the government to pass on only 50 percent of the international crude oil impact on consumers by slashing 50 percent petroleum levy. However, the government rejected his suggestion and passed on the full impact to consumers.
