PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has criticised the federal government over rising fuel prices, saying ordinary citizens should not be forced to bear the cost of government expenditures.
In a statement issued from Peshawar, Afridi explained the provincial government’s stance on the current fuel supply situation. He said a meeting had been held with the federal ministers for finance and petroleum to discuss concerns about possible disruptions in fuel supply routes due to the Iran war.
According to the chief minister, federal officials briefed the KP government about the likelihood of a supply shortage and the potential impact it could have on petroleum prices.
Afridi said the provincial administration would oppose any measures that directly burden the public. He stressed that it was not responsible governance to maintain unnecessary spending and then transfer the financial pressure of crises to citizens.
He also argued that raising petrol prices in response to tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel would not resolve the issue. Instead, he suggested that funds currently used for luxury expenses should be redirected to provide subsidies and relief to the public during difficult times.
