Pakistan Bar Council urges govt to contain fuel price inflation, provide relief to citizens

On Thursday, the Executive Committee and Rules Committee of the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) convened a joint meeting to vehemently oppose the rapid daily hikes in fuel prices. The PBC leaders condemned the increases, stating they have exacerbated inflation and made the cost of living unbearable for ordinary citizens, especially those belonging to middle and lower-middle income groups.

During the resolution, the PBC expressed grave concern over the daily hikes, which have led to widespread frustration and unrest among the public, negatively impacting people's purchasing power. The participants demanded the immediate withdrawal of unnecessary privileges, excessive packages, free fuel facilities, and the excessive use of official vehicles by ministers, government officials, and other privileged individuals.

The meeting emphasized that the proposed "smart lockdown" was not a viable solution to the economic crisis. If implemented, such measures would only further strain the budgets of ordinary citizens, daily-wage earners, and businesses. The PBC urged the government to take concrete and immediate steps to facilitate relief for citizens.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had announced a relief scheme for motorcycle, rickshaw, and up to 800cc vehicle owners. Under the scheme, two- and three-wheeled vehicle owners would receive a monthly subsidy of Rs100 per litre for up to 20 litres, while owners of vehicles up to 800cc would receive the same subsidy for a monthly quota of 30 litres.