KARACHI, Feb 2: Leaders of various political parties have condemned the fresh increase of Rs2 per litre in petroleum prices, saying that it will add to miseries of not only the poor but also the middle class, particularly the middle-class.

Accusing the government of strangulating the common man economically through its anti-people policies, they said that the constant increase had exposed the government's claim of having improved the economy to great extent.

PPP Sindh President Syed Qaim Ali Shah, who is also a former chief minister, said that there was no justification for yet another increase in the petroleum prices.

This, he added, would directly hit the common man who was already over-burdened by the sky rocketing prices of the essential commodities. Mr Shah said that the decision would benefit the government for the time being, but affect the country's economy badly in the long run.

The Karachi Coordination Committee (KCC) of the PPP, which met here on Wednesday, strongly condemned the latest hike in the petroleum prices and noted with concern that the regime seemed to be bent upon gulping the last drop of blood of the deprived people through such moves while raising the salaries of its ministers, importing bullet-proof limousines for the ruling clique, constructing new cantonments and conducting army operations with people's money.

Those present at the meeting, presided over by Syed Qaim Ali Shah, were Nawab Yusuf Talpur, Aftab Sha'aban Mirani, Taj Haider, Aftab Shah Jilani and others. PML-N Sindh Chief, Mamnoon Hussain, who is also a former Sindh governor, castigated the government for raising petroleum prices, and said that the decision would not only increase the number of people living below the poverty level, but also affect industrial production.

Due to the increased cost of production, neither the local people would be able to maintain their buying power, nor would the local products remain in competition in foreign markets.

He said the industrialists already raising a hue and cry over the proposed increase in gas prices would further suffer due to the hike in prices. He apprehended that the situation might lead to the closure of industries and unemployment.

Amin Khattak of the Awami National Party said that the rulers had broken all records of increase in petroleum prices. He observed that the decision would further increase the prices of essential commodities which were already on higher side.

Coupled with a hike in transport fares, the overall price-hike would devastate economy of the common man, he added. The ANP leader urged all political parties to form a grand alliance and launch movement against anti-people regime.

Dr Mumtaz of Jamaat-i-Islami condemned the government's decision and asked it to reverse it forthwith, adds PPI. In his statement, the JI leader said that due to the fresh hike in petroleum prices common man already subjected to harsh economic decisions would further suffer due to the hike.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association Abdul Sami Khan has expressed his deep concern over the fresh increase in petrol and diesel prices.