In a recent press conference, Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik announced that the federal government has decided to keep gas tariffs unchanged. He confirmed that consumers will not experience any increase in gas prices.
Malik highlighted that the government’s economic policies are beginning to yield positive results. He reported a substantial reduction in food inflation, which has decreased from 48 per cent to just 2 per cent.
Overall inflation has also dropped significantly, falling from 38 per cent to 12 per cent, with a continued downward trend anticipated. Malik stated that all economic indicators suggest the country is moving towards greater stability.
The minister emphasised that the government’s primary objectives are to alleviate poverty, control inflation, and create job opportunities for the youth. He revealed that Prime Minister allocated Rs600 billion in the current federal budget to support the underprivileged.
Development projects are being prioritised, particularly in underserved areas, to generate local employment. Additionally, Rs50 billion has been earmarked to protect 86 per cent of electricity consumers for the upcoming three months.
Malik reiterated the government’s commitment to providing further relief to the public by enhancing healthcare facilities, digitising the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and pursuing the privatisation of state-owned enterprises.
Criticising the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) administration, Malik accused them of distributing $4 billion to the wealthiest individuals during their tenure. He also addressed the issue of terrorism, asserting that while the government is working to combat it, opposition parties are criticising these efforts.
The minister expressed disappointment with the opposition’s approach, which he described as destructive and confrontational. He specifically criticised the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) for its negative campaign against state institutions and its focus on sit-ins without offering viable solutions.
Furthermore, Malik accused PTI leaders of inconsistency, recalling that they previously claimed their government was overthrown by the US, yet they are now seeking assistance from the same country.
