Former Federal Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique Warns of Inflation Surge Following Historic Fuel Price Hike
Khawaja Saad Rafique, senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-N and former federal minister, has expressed serious concerns over the recent increase in petroleum prices, warning that it could trigger a severe wave of inflation across Pakistan.
In a social media post, Rafique acknowledged the government’s constraints but questioned how ordinary citizens would cope with the surge in fuel costs. He said the poor are being forced to comply with stringent IMF conditions at a cost to their livelihoods, while the middle class risks falling below the poverty line.
Rafique also warned of broader international consequences, stating that if attacks on Iran by U.S. and Israeli forces are not immediately halted, millions in the Third World could face starvation.
The remarks follow a historic fuel price hike announced by the federal government, which increased petrol by Rs137.24 per litre to a new price of Rs458.41 and diesel by Rs184.49 per litre to Rs520.35, marking the largest increase in the country’s history.
