Meher Azeem Hakro
The federal government has once again increased the prices of petroleum products. After updating the price of petrol, the new price has been raised to Rs.119.80 per liter. A notification has also been issued.The present government has continued the prices of petroleum products with a gradual increase. So far, the price of petrol has gone up by about Rs.12. At present, for the first time in the history of the country, petrol is being sold at a record high. Due to the lockdown in Sindh, there is severe chaos in the country today. Repeated increases in the prices of petroleum products and LPG have made the people realize that the way they are stuck in poverty, the government is not trying to give them relief nor is the policy makers trying to eradicate poverty. This is a very delicate situation and the way the present government has blitzed the people with expensive petroleum bombs will still be preserved in the history as a record increase. In general, governments are there to provide maximum relief to their people in such critical situations and to provide the people with the facilities so that they can stand on their own feet. Governments always try to take concrete steps to reduce the burden on the people. This is the first government in the history of Pakistan which on the one hand claims to revive the economy and on the other hand collects millions of rupees from the people by raising petroleum products.The government has resorted to raising petrol prices to cover its expenses. With such measures, the poor can no longer afford inflation. The government should take back petrol prices, reduce taxes on petrol. Prices of petroleum products are rising day by day, while prices of flour, wheat and sugar at utility stores are also rising daily. In addition, the prices of life-saving drugs have increased by 500%. Consumption of meat, fish and vegetables is also skyrocketing, reducing the purchasing power of the poor and middle class. Moreover, the lockdown will affect the economy and will lead to hunger and misery. Therefore, it is important that the inflation and unemployment allowance be given to the poor and inaccessible people to earn a living, so that the poor do not come to the streets. Coronavirus SOPs should be made easier for the general public to take care of their economic needs, job security should be ensured, and SOPs should be strictly enforced to control the Covid-19 and improve the vaccination process. Vaccinations should be extended to door steps and public facilities should also be provided with the increase in mobile units.
