20 December 2004	Monday	07 Ziqa'ad 1425

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KARACHI, Dec 19: The military rulers have failed to provide any relief to people; and poverty, soaring prices and unemployment have made the life of the common man miserable.

These views were expressed by local leaders of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal, who were addressing a protest rally outside the Karachi Press Club on Sunday. The rally was taken out against the increase in petroleum prices and rising unemployment in the country.

The Amir of Jamaat-i-Islami Sindh, Dr Mumtaz Ali Memon, speaking on the occasion said that claims of filling the national coffer with foreign exchange had only added to the economic decay of people.

The recent increase in petroleum prices was tantamount to the economic murder of people, he remarked, adding that people were committing suicide because of economic hardships.

He said that an increase in petroleum prices had further burdened the people, who were already facing a hard time in getting themselves two square meals. He pointed out that despite the falling oil prices in the world market and earning an income of three dollars per barrel, the government decision to increase petroleum prices was incomprehensible.

The JI leader said that people were being misled by being told that the country was getting advantages by supporting the US policies; however, the factual position, he said was that the number of people living beyond the poverty level was on the rise.