PESHAWAR – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Adviser on Information, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, on Tuesday sharply criticized the federal and Punjab governments for raising petroleum prices ahead of the new fiscal year. He claimed the increase would trigger a fresh wave of inflation, burdening the public even before the financial year begins.
Saif strongly condemned the federal government’s decision to impose a new 2.5% tax on petroleum products. He said this move would directly raise the prices of everyday essentials, adding that fuel price hikes always lead to increased costs of food and transportation, worsening life for the poor.
He also declared the federal budget “anti-poor and pro-rich,” saying it favors the elite while ignoring the needs of common citizens. According to him, inflation will rise further as petrol prices go up, impacting already struggling families across the country.
Turning to the Punjab government, Saif accused it of completely ignoring public needs, especially in the agriculture sector. He claimed that due to poor policies, Punjab’s farmers have suffered financial losses of over Rs2,200 billion, with no meaningful relief offered in the provincial budget.
Saif also criticized Punjab’s focus on commission-based development projects, stating it failed to deliver essential services like free healthcare. In contrast, he praised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s healthcare system and offered support, saying KP was ready to assist Punjab if needed.
Finally, he highlighted that the KP government, led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, had presented a budget based on PTI founder Imran Khan’s vision. He emphasized that KP’s budget focused on public welfare, social projects, and providing relief to the common man.