Continuous Increase in Petroleum Prices Is Robbery on People’s Pockets, Says JUI
QUETTA – The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) has strongly condemned the ongoing surge in petroleum prices, calling it a “robbery on the people’s pockets” and stating that the government’s claims of providing relief have proven to be false.
In a joint statement issued in Quetta, JUI leaders including District Amir Sheikh-ul-Hadith Maulana Abdul Rehman Rafiq, Secretary General Haji Ainullah Shams, Senior Deputy Amir Maulana Khurshid Ahmed, Maulana Muhibullah, Maulana Muhammad Ayub, Maulana Abdul Ahad Muhammad Hasni, Maulana Saeed Ahmed, Hafiz Siraj-ud-Din, Mufti Muhammad Rozi Khan Badizai, Maulana Muhammad Shoaib Jadoon, Rahimuddin Advocate, and Maulana Muhammad Arif Shamshir said that the continuous increase in petroleum prices is a clear evidence of the government’s anti-people economic policies.
“The government is cleverly looting the people’s pockets through continuous hikes in petroleum prices, while at the same time making lofty claims of providing relief to the masses,” the leaders said. “The reality is that the common man is already severely troubled by inflation, and the petroleum price increase has now wiped out whatever little economic capacity he had left.”
The JUI leaders warned that even a minor hike in petroleum prices affects every sector of the economy. “From transport fares to essential commodity prices, everything becomes expensive, and the direct burden falls on the poor. The prices of flour, ghee, vegetables, and other basic food items are continuously moving beyond the reach of the common man,” they said.
They noted that families with limited incomes are struggling to meet their children’s education, medical treatment, and daily needs. “If the rulers had any sense of the people’s problems, instead of continuously raising petroleum prices, they would take practical steps to provide relief to the poor, control inflation, and create employment opportunities.”
The religious leaders emphasized that before demanding sacrifices from the people, the ruling class must reduce its unnecessary expenditures, perks, and lavish lifestyles.
“The government should immediately stop the cycle of petroleum price hikes and provide real relief to the people. Mere claims cannot light the stoves of the people — practical measures are essential,” they added.
The JUI leaders further stated that the poor were already suffering from inflation, unemployment, and poverty, and instead of putting them through more trials, the government should review its policies. “Restoring the purchasing power of the people, stabilizing the prices of essential commodities, and ending unnecessary petroleum price hikes is the government’s primary responsibility,” they concluded.
