A joint adjournment motion by different political parties against the hike in the prices of petroleum products was held to be in order by Senate Chairman Farooq H. Naek. He announced that the issue would be discussed for two hours at an ‘appropriate time’. - File photo

ISLAMABAD: Legislators belonging to the Pakistan Muslim League-N, Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Jamaat-i-Islami, PML (Like-minded), Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-F and Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party staged a walkout from the Senate on Wednesday against a massive increase in the prices of petroleum products and natural gas.

They demanded immediate withdrawal of the decision which they said would have a domino effect on all sectors of the economy.

Prof Khurshid Ahmed of the JI told Dawn that the walkout was not only aimed at expressing displeasure over the increase in the prices of petroleum products and hike in gas tariff but also at demanding immediate reversal of the decision.

A joint adjournment motion by different political parties against the hike in the prices of petroleum products was held to be in order by Senate Chairman Farooq H. Naek. He announced that the issue would be discussed for two hours at an ‘appropriate time’.

Prof Khurshid Ahmed, Prof Ibrahim, Raja Zafarul Haq, and Afia Zia had moved the motion.

Petroleum Minister Dr Asim Hussain opposed the motion and said that the petroleum prices were not finalised by the government, but by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority.

He said the fluctuation in dollar-rupee parity changed the fuel prices and there had also been an increase in the international prices of petroleum products.

He said the general sales tax and petroleum development levy being part of the Money Bill could not be reversed.

However, PML-N Parliamentary Leader Ishaq Dar pointed out that the government had withdrawn the GST and PDL through an administrative order last year.

The issue of the absence of ministers from the house was raised once again.

Mr Dar suggested to the chairman to withdraw for one week flag and squad of the ministers who ignored the proceedings of the house.

Mian Raza Rabbani observed that the chairman was empowered to take appropriate measures if the house proceedings were hindered.

Mr Naek reserved his ruling.

When the issue was raised, only Law Minister Moula Bux Chandio was present the house.

Minister for Petroleum Dr Asim Hussain, Minister for Ports and Shipping Babar Ghauri and Minister for Postal Services Sardar Umer Gorgeij came late.

When asked by the chairman, Dr Hussain said he arrived late because his office was situated far away.

He was asked to be careful in future.