Petrol Price Hike Sparks Uproar in Senate as Leaders Warn of Rising Inflation in Pakistan

Pakistan’s latest increase in petrol prices triggered strong criticism in the Senate on Monday, where several lawmakers accused the government of placing an unbearable financial burden on the public. Opposition leaders warned that expensive fuel, electricity, and taxes were pushing ordinary citizens deeper into economic hardship.

PTI Senator Barrister Syed Ali Zafar called the recent fuel price increase a “petrol bomb” on the people, arguing that global crude oil prices had actually declined instead of rising. He claimed the government was collecting over Rs117 per litre in petroleum levy, far above previously discussed limits, while citizens continued to struggle with inflation and unemployment.

Speaking in the Senate, Ali Zafar said the growing cost of fuel would increase prices of transport, food items, and agricultural products across the country. He also criticized what he described as unnecessary government spending during a time when millions of Pakistanis were facing financial pressure.

The senator further stated that Pakistan’s debt had increased sharply over the past few years, while people were seeing little improvement in economic conditions. According to him, rising electricity tariffs and expensive flour had already made survival difficult for middle and lower-income families.

MQM-P Senator Aamir Waliuddin Chishti also expressed concern over Pakistan’s economic direction. He warned that Pakistan currently had some of the highest energy costs in the region while exports remained weak. He stressed that reducing taxes and supporting business activity were necessary steps for economic recovery.

Lawmakers also discussed concerns related to IMF policies, increasing debt, and inflation. Several senators demanded transparency in fuel pricing and called for immediate relief for the public as household expenses continue to rise across the country.

In a separate discussion, senators debated a proposed amendment related to official blue passports for lawmakers’ children. The Interior Ministry opposed the proposal, saying current passport laws did not allow such privileges for parliamentarians’ dependents. The matter was later referred to the relevant committee for further review.