Prime Minister Imran Khan’s announcement of reducing petrol and electricity is being hailed by the Opposition as a victory. According to the Opposition, PM Khan made the decision as a result of long-march and the threat of no-trust motion.
To clarify, in a surprise move, PM Imran Khan, on Monday, unveiled a major relief package. Under the relief package, PM Khan announced a Rs 10 per liter reduction in petroleum prices. Moreover, he also announced a Rs 5 per unit cut in electricity tariff.
Important to note, earlier, the petroleum price reached new heights, adding to the inflationary pressure of the public. The high prices and the overall inflation sparked outrage from the Opposition who announced a no-trust move against the government. Also, the Opposition launched long marches. Sunday, the PPP kicked off its Awami March from Karachi.
Read more: Watch: Fight breaks out over free meal at Bilawal Bhutto’s Awami March
Owing to the timings of the long march, and PM Khan’s relief package, the PPP is of the view the relief package came as a result of the Opposition’s pressure tactics.
PPP’s chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari -who is leading a long march against the incumbent government- congratulated the masses for reduced prices of petroleum, adding that, “Imran Khan’s legs are trembling now.”
https://twitter.com/MediaCellPPP/status/1498350280307531777?s=20&t=kGLj44lFU6SyIqn1wSeWDA
Meanwhile, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman said PM Imran Khan is feeling the heat of PPP’s Awami March.
“IK just announced some small concessions on utility bills, petrol. Clearly feeling the heat. And it’s only Day 2 of this epic long march,” Sherry Rehman tweeted.
Imran Khan trying to save his job: PML-N
On the other hand, the PML-N camp lashed out at PM Imran Khan, calling his relief package a last-ditch attempt to save his government. Former Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said the relief package came too late. Moreover, the relief package is like sprinkling salt on the wounds of the public.
Former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail questioned whether economics changed within the past few days. He also accused the PTI government of trying to save PM Khan’s job.
“Days ago the govt raised petrol prices by Rs 12 & electricity prices by Rs 6. Today the govt decreased their prices by Rs 10 & Rs 5. Did economics change in the last few days or has politics? PTI never has money to give relief to the people. But to save IK’s job it finds a way!” Miftah Ismail tweeted.
Read more: Fawad Chaudhry hits back at criticism over high petrol prices
Days ago the govt raised petrol prices by Rs 12 & electricity prices by Rs 6. Today the govt decreased their prices by Rs 10 & Rs 5. Did economics change in the last few days or has politics? PTI never has money to give relief to the people. But to save IK’s job it finds a way!
— Miftah Ismail (@MiftahIsmail) February 28, 2022
PML-N Secretary-General and Former Minister of Interior accused PM Imran Khan of fooling the nation by first increasing prices and then decreasing them.
“First increase the price of petrol by Rs 20 and then announce a reduction of Rs 10. Then increase the price of electricity by Rs 6 per unit and then announce a reduction of Rs. 5. Is someone fooling someone or trying to prove themselves stupid?” Ahsan Iqbal tweeted.
پہلے Rs 20 پٹرول مہنگا کریں اور پھر Rs 10 کم کرنے کا اعلان کر دیں- پہلے بجلی Rs 6 فی یونٹ بڑھائیں اور اگلے دن Rs 5 کمی کا اعلان کر دیں-
کیا کوئی کسی کو بیوقوف بنا رہا ہے یا خود کو احمق ثابت کرنا چاہ رہا ہے؟— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) February 28, 2022
Meanwhile, PML-N information secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb said that PM’s decision of reducing petrol and electricity prices was a failed attempt to save his job.
“His [Imran Khan’s] decision indicates growing fear of no-trust move against him in National Assembly,” she added