'Fuel levy hurts low-income families'

Express Tribune

2 days ago

Opposition Leader in Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar has accused both the federal and provincial governments led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of burdening the people with heavy taxation, mishandling fuel pricing, and politicising the recent Swat tourist tragedy.
Speaking at a press conference here on Wednesday, Bhachar denounced the federal government's overnight hike in petrol and diesel prices, calling it "ironic" amid declining global oil rates. He said the imposition of over Rs100 per litre in taxes on petroleum products would have a direct and disproportionate impact on farmers and low-income households.
"Just days after presenting the budget with promises of relief, the government raised taxes on fuel," he said. "Meanwhile, farmers have been entirely ignored."
Bhachar also accused Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz of misleading the public by claiming the provincial budget was tax-free. "In reality, even small two-marla houses were taxed," he alleged.
Turning to the recent deaths of tourists in Swat, the opposition leader accused the Punjab government of politicising the tragedy. He said that instead of pointing fingers, the provincial administration should reflect on its own shortcomings.
"While the nation mourns the loss of lives in Swat, who will answer for the 23 children who died due to oxygen shortages in Pakpattan, or the 20 newborns who died during deliveries in a single week?" he asked.
He condemned the reported closure of 1,132 basic health centres across Punjab, which he claimed would affect approximately 130,000 employees — many with decades of service. "These individuals deserve an explanation," he said, adding that the provincial government had yet to issue a public statement on the child fatalities or the healthcare downsizing.
Commenting on the suspension of opposition lawmakers, Bhachar alleged the move was a tactic to pass legislation without dissent. "The authority to requisition the assembly was stripped from us," he said. "We've already called it a fake assembly. Our leader, Imran Khan, commended the lawmakers who resisted and protested against figures like Maryam Nawaz."
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Punjab leadership announced preparations for a province-wide protest campaign against what it described as "inhumane treatment" of former prime minister Imran Khan.
"In the face of this oppression and injustice, protest is now our only remaining option," the leaders asserted in a statement. The planned protest follows directives from PTI Patron-in-Chief Imran Khan to resist what the party calls ongoing violations of constitutional and legal order.