Former Finance Minister Miftah Ismail has openly condemned the current government’s decision to raise petrol prices, highlighting the disproportionate financial strain placed on ordinary citizens. He emphasized that while the general public faces escalating fuel costs, government expenditures and privileges remain largely unchecked, creating an unfair economic burden. His remarks came during a detailed discussion on the program ‘Sawal Yeh Hai’, where he dissected the timing and rationale behind the recent fuel price adjustments.
Ismail questioned why the government chose to increase petrol prices when fuel purchased between March 1 and March 7, 2026, was acquired at lower rates. He argued that there was no immediate justification for the hike and suggested that if an increase was necessary, it should have been implemented after a reasonable delay of at least two weeks. This, he said, would have been a more logical and fair approach, allowing consumers some respite and avoiding sudden financial shocks.
Delving deeper into the issue, the former minister pointed out that the government had simultaneously reduced the petroleum levy on diesel and raised the profit margins for oil companies. He questioned the transparency of these moves, noting that while fuel prices surged for consumers, oil companies appeared to be the primary beneficiaries of the policy changes. Ismail expressed concern over the lack of clarity on why the additional revenue generated from higher fuel prices was not being funneled back into the government’s coffers to support public welfare.
Adding to his critique, Miftah Ismail revealed that senior bureaucrats continue to enjoy privileges such as access to up to 800 liters of petrol, a figure that starkly contrasts with the hardships faced by average citizens. He urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, and other ministers to lead by example by reducing their own petrol consumption by at least 10 percent, especially during these challenging economic times. This, he argued, would demonstrate genuine commitment to sharing the burden rather than imposing it solely on the public.
Ismail also took aim at the Punjab government’s extravagant spending habits, specifically criticizing the use of an official aircraft by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. He estimated the annual cost of maintaining this aircraft at approximately Rs. 860 million and suggested that the Chief Minister could personally contribute Rs. 86 million to offset these expenses. His remarks underscored the disconnect between government spending priorities and the economic realities faced by the population.
In a tone laced with sarcasm, the former finance minister recalled Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s description of recent economic decisions as “difficult” and burdensome for the public. Ismail contrasted this with his own tenure, noting that during his time as finance minister, the government provided a petrol subsidy of Rs. 40 per litre. In stark contrast, the current administration reportedly imposes taxes amounting to nearly Rs. 100 per litre, effectively doubling the financial pressure on consumers.
He further questioned whether government officials had made any corresponding cuts to their own expenses following the price hikes. Ismail argued that if the government found it necessary to raise prices, increasing taxes would have been a more transparent and equitable approach. Highlighting the broader social impact, he pointed out that between 2018 and 2025, approximately 12 percent more Pakistanis have slipped below the poverty line, underscoring the urgent need for policies that protect vulnerable populations rather than exacerbate their hardships.
