PESHAWAR: Advisor to KP Chief Minister on Finance Muzzammil Aslam has said that the government is punishing the public for its own mistakes through higher petrol prices.
He said it has been reported that the government is increasing the petroleum levy by another five rupees, taking it to Rs85.
These remarks were made by KP Finance Adviser Muzzammil Aslam in a statement issued from his office on Saturday.
Muzzammil Aslam said that this measure is being taken to reduce the gas circular debt over the next five years, adding that it should be remembered that during the final two years of Imran Khan’s government, the petroleum levy never exceeded Rs20 per litre.
The KP CM’s aide said that the current government borrowed Rs 1,250 billion to reduce the electricity circular debt and imposed a debt surcharge of Rs3.25 per unit on electricity bills, placing the burden on the public. He said that if tax targets are not met, the government plans to impose an additional 5 percent excise duty on fertilizers and pesticides. He further said that the government also intends to impose taxes on sweet food items.
The Advisor on Finance said that all items currently subject to less than 18 percent sales tax are being raised to 18 percent. He questioned whether the public is ready to make further sacrifices under the current Shehbaz Sharif government.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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