Another Petrol Bomb

Pakistan is currently facing the worst economic situation due to which the issues of masses have reached to a drastic level. The skyrocketing inflation and rupee devaluation against the US Dollar have made the lives of masses difficult. The masses who are already facing the miserable conditions are being attacked by the petrol bombs again and again. The incumbent government is taking bold steps to streamline the issues of economy. All the burdens are being put at the shoulders of the masses. the government has already removed subsidies from petroleum products in line with an IMF agreement, triggering a wave of inflation. The prices of petroleum products have already reached to historical high. But, the government is still planning to increase the prices further. Another petrol bomb has been prepared for the masses who are striving for the bread and butter of two times. The coalition government is likely to jack up the prices of petroleum products by a massive Rs20 per litre from September 1, in an attempt to revive the stalled $6 billion IMF bailout package, revealed sources privy to the matter on Thursday. As per the letter of intent (LoI) the government sent to the IMF, it had written that a sales tax has been imposed on petroleum products. However, the sources said that the rate of sales tax is likely to be hiked from next month. In order to fulfil the pre-requisites of the IMF, the federal government is likely to abolish the sales tax exemptions on petroleum products for the agricultural sector from September 1. The authorities are mulling introducing 10.5% sales tax on petroleum products from October under the conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The incumbent government in Pakistan came in power by the slogan against inflation. The long march of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari against the former Prime Minister Imran Khan is still fresh in the minds of people. This was the march to end the inflation. The main purpose of this march was to end the curse of inflation from the country by ousting the sitting government. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) and all the other allies were of the view that the skyrocketing inflation in the country is because of the Imran Khan and his team. They were of the view that the only solution of the issues of inflation is to send the then prime minister Imran Khan back to home. These political parties successfully sent Imran back to home, but they failed badly in the purpose for which they came in power. The skyrocketing prices of essential commodities have made the life of a common man very difficult. Not only prices of food items but the rates of all utility bills have been jacked up to an unaffordable ratio during previous 03 months. Middle class and lower middle class people are already facing a number of difficulties due to skyrocketing inflation. It has become very difficult for masses even to fulfill their requirements of food. Further rise in the petroleum prices will increase inflation further in coming days. Government must take immediate steps to control inflation to facilitate the masses. Otherwise, the patience of people has been ended, they can go to any length against the government any time. The newly prepared petrol bomb of the government will badly affect the masses. People are already losing their confidence in the government. They will further go against the ruler if the government would drop another petrol bomb on them. Government should try its best to facilitate the masses instead of snatching all the basic needs from them.