Social media has been divided over the Prime Minister Shehbaz’s decision to not reduce the petrol prices on April 15 as analysts predicted a reduction in petrol prices owing to international oil rates.
Renowned journalist Shehbaz Rana took to X (formerly Twitter) on April 15 to criticise the government’s decision, writing, “It’s a bad policy decision and tantamount to mini-budget. Balochistan province is cash surplus and it had Rs91.4 billion surplus cash till December 2024. There is also federal PSDP of Rs1100 b available.”
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved to impose additional tax on every liter of petrol and diesel consumed by poor to rich people to build a road and complete a canal in Balochistan by increasing petroleum levy rates,” he added.
“Govt should not withhold relief in POL products. We support development of Balochistan and for that PM should use parliamentarians already available discretionary budget and other resources. Govt is now exploiting people to the core. People are heavily taxed and they deserve up to Rs8 per liter reduction in prices.”
Many social media users agreed with Rana that the government should have provided relief to the common people by reducing petrol prices in Pakistan.
Federal Minister of Information, Attaullah Tarar, lashed out at Rana, writing, “Calling this a “tax” isn’t just misleading- it’s a reflection of how disconnected and uncaring your thinking is. Totally false and untrue.”
“The govt is using savings from global oil prices to uplift Balochistan – one of the most deprived regions of the country. That’s not a burden, it’s long-overdue justice. Short-term petrol cuts vanish fast; real impact comes from roads, schools, and jobs that change lives.”
He further stated, “But of course, understanding this requires empathy and vision – qualities which are clearly lacking here in your case. This is how misinformation is spread.”
One user commented, “After this increase,total PDL/duties on 1 liter of petrol will be around 100/liter. A common man,who owns a bike & uses just 1 liter daily,will end up paying 100 to Govt — regardless of fact that he may not even be liable 2 pay any tax&might actually qualify 4 suport under BISP!”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening stated, “The government decided not to pass on the benefit of lower fuel prices in the international market to people. Savings from petroleum prices will be used to heal the nation’s wounds.”
According to details, the funds would be used in Balochistan’s infrastructure including expansion of N-25 highway in Balochistan.
The prime minister stated that the government will make it into a dual carriageway but will be renovated as per motorway standards.
The PM also stated that the funds would be used to complete phase 2 of the Kachhi Canal project, which will irrigate hundreds of acres of land in Balochistan province.
