The Human Rights Council (HRC) of Pakistan has strongly criticized the recent hike in petroleum product prices in the country, labeling it as an “economic suicide attack” on the public. The government’s decision to raise petrol and high-speed diesel prices by Pakistani Rs 26.77 has sparked outrage among citizens. Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik attributed the price surge to regional tensions and global oil price fluctuations.
Expressing deep concern, the HRC emphasized that the continuous spikes in fuel prices are not just numerical adjustments but a catalyst for inflation that burdens the common man. The council highlighted that every citizen has the right to a dignified life, and escalating transport, medicine, and essential commodity costs could push many into poverty. Stressing the government’s responsibility towards public welfare, the rights body urged immediate reconsideration of the price hike to alleviate the financial strain on the populace.
The HRC urged the Pakistani government to reevaluate its decision swiftly and implement urgent measures to alleviate the financial burden on the public. Emphasizing the need for economic policies that prioritize the welfare of the poor over elite privileges, the council called for a shift towards pro-poor strategies to ease the financial hardships faced by ordinary citizens.
