Senators express concern over petroleum price hike

ISLAMABAD: Senators on Friday expressed concern over price hike in the petroleum products and demanded of the government to review its decision.

Speaking of point of orders, they termed it a petrol bomb which would cause inflation and increase hardship of the poor people.

Senator Prof. Ibrahim said that half of the country's petroleum requirement is being met through domestic exploration.

He said that the government has already increased fuel prices last month and there is no justification to increase fuel prices further.

Prof. Ibrahim said that the government imports petrol from middle east but it is selling these products at Washington rates.

JUI-F senator Dr. Ismail Buledi said that inflation has made life of people miserable. The people are already committing suicides and the hike would aggravate the situation.

He said rising fuel price is a national issue as it directly affect the lives of masses.

He also expressed concern over law and order situation in Balochistan and demanded of the government to address the issue.

MQM senator Shirala Malik said the government should review its decision and reduce the petroleum prices.

She said that MQM had lodged strong protest when the prices were increased. However, she said that the government with consensus of all stakeholder had slashed the prices 50 per cent.

Senator Haji Adeel said that a parliamentary committee was constituted to evolve a mechanism for fuel prices but no meeting of the committee was convened to address the issue.

Speaking on a point of order Hasil Bizenjo said no one is giving proper attention to law and order situation in Balochistan.

He said that 180 bullet riddle bodies mostly of students have been recovered in the last four months which was a matter of great concern.

Kalsoom Perveen suggested that a round-table conference should be convened to address Balochistan situation.

Later, the House was adjourned to meet again on Saturday at 10.30 am at morning.