Lahore (Pakistan News): Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has claimed that the government provided relief to the public due to the party’s protests and pressure, saying that otherwise petrol prices could have reached Rs500 per litre.
Speaking at a press conference at Mansoorah, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman demanded that taxes be imposed on large vehicles, arguing that those who can afford expensive and bigger cars should also bear the additional financial burden associated with them.
He said government institutions and political parties travel in large convoys of vehicles. Therefore, public transport should also be included in the relief package announced for the people.
Expressing concern over the severe shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the country, Hafiz Naeem said the fuel was not even available at official prices. He questioned who was responsible for determining LPG prices.
He claimed that 70 per cent of the LPG consumed in the country came from Iran. He also questioned why steps were not being taken to extract gas when Pakistan had its own reserves.
The Jamaat-e-Islami chief further said monopolistic groups controlled private-sector businesses involved in oil refining and the production of sugar, gas, flour and electricity. He alleged that there was no distinction between the government and opposition in this regard, as both were collectively exploiting the public.
He said petroleum prices could be reduced further by cutting the profits of oil refineries, adding that gas load-shedding in the country had also reached its peak.