PESHAWAR: The activists of different political parties and members of civil society organisations held a rally here on Monday against hike in prices of petroleum products.

The protesters were led by National Party Pakhtuns Wahdat provincial leader Syed Mukhtar Bacha, Pakistan Mazdoor Kisan Party central secretary information Shakeel Wahidullah Khan, Awami Workers Party provincial president Advocate Shahab Khattak.

Holding banners and placards inscribed with slogans against hike in prices of petroleum products, the protesters demanded of the caretaker government to reverse the decision immediately to remove unrest among poor. They also chanted slogans against the caretaker government.

Speaking on the occasion, the leaders of the protesters said that the caretaker government increased the prices of petroleum products twice during a short span of time that would bring a new wave of inflation in the country.

They said that the prices of petroleum products were being decreased in the international market but in Pakistan the rates were being increased exorbitantly. They said that members of low income group would be forced to starve if the price hike continued.

The speakers said that government was collecting taxes on sale of petroleum products. They said that the protest would be extended to other parts of the country if government failed to reverse its decision.

They asked the government to slash its non-development expenditures and avoid imposing new taxes on people and increasing rates of petroleum products. They said that increase in prices was a conspiracy because people were busy in electioneering. They said that politicians would launch agitation if such steps were not stopped forthwith.

They also criticised the senators, representing various political parties in the Upper House of Parliament, for remaining silent over increase in prices of petrol products. They said the Progressive Democratic Alliance could not accept injustice with the people. They appealed to chief justice to take notice of the recent increase in petroleum products and save people from starvation.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2018