Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan addressed the nation and announced the “biggest” relief package worth Rs120 billion for the masses.
“This [poverty alleviation] package, which is worth Rs120 billion, will be offered to Pakistanis by the federal and provincial governments,” he said.
The premier said oil prices had risen by 100 per cent in the last 3-4 months internationally, while they had increased 33 per cent in Pakistan.
“When you say petrol is expensive, it is the cheapest in Pakistan, but we will have to increase the price because otherwise our deficit will increase and we will be further burdened by debt,” he added.
“You will be able to buy flour, ghee, and pulses at 30pc lower prices,” he announced.
“We are also launching the Kamyab Pakistan [programme] with a funding of Rs1,400 billion to give interest-free loans to 4 million families,” he said.
The premier then addressed the Opposition, who he said had been protesting against inflation.
“I ask the two big families to bring half of the money they looted and took outside [Pakistan]. Even if they bring half [the money], I promise you and the nation that I will slash the prices of all food items by half,” he said, in an apparent jibe at the families of Pakistan Muslim League -Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Asif Ali Zardari.
