ISLAMABAD: The opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) on Sunday termed the petroleum price hike an “economic burden on the people” and criticised the government over rising taxes, economic decline and political instability.

It demanded relief for citizens and restoration of democratic and judicial integrity. It also expressed concern over court decisions against political leaders and shrinking media freedom.

Leaders of the alliance were speaking at a news conference in Islamabad. They included former Sindh governor Muham­mad Zubair, former KP finance minister Taimur Saleem Jhagra, TTAP spokesperson Hussain Ahmad Yousafzai and Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry.

Mr Zubair questioned why petrol purchased at around $65 per barrel was being sold to the public at rates equivalent to $90, alleging that the government would collect approximately Rs110 billion through the decision.

He claimed that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) was already facing a Rs600 billion shortfall, and if the government had managed economic affairs properly, it would have been able to provide relief to the people instead of increasing prices.

“Life has already become extremely difficult for motorcyclists and low-income people. An increase in petrol prices will raise the cost of all goods and services, affecting every sector of the economy. Poor people cannot afford such an increase,” he said.

Mr Zubair said the salaried class was being forced to pay taxes. On the other hand, he claimed that the ruling elite continued to impose a burden on the public without making sacrifices themselves.

He said the government claimed the country was poor, but the lifestyle of the ruling class told a different story. He criticised the large security convoys accompanying rulers and claimed that the most expensive aircraft had been purchased for the Punjab chief minister.

He asked why the fuel and other perks and privileges of the bureaucracy had not been cut. He blamed US President Donald Trump for global instability and criticised the Pakist­ani government for nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Published in Dawn, March 9th, 2026