Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has introduced a significant financial relief package aimed at easing the burden on motorcyclists in the province, who have been severely affected by the recent surge in fuel prices. In a detailed press briefing held in Peshawar, Afridi revealed that the provincial government will provide a subsidy of Rs2,200 to every registered motorcycle owner. This initiative is designed to help offset the escalating transportation costs caused by the rising petroleum prices.
During the press conference, which included the presence of Special Assistant on Information Shafi Jan and Finance Adviser Muzammil Aslam, Afridi did not hold back in expressing his strong disapproval of the federal government’s decision to increase petrol prices. He described the hike as an “economic bomb” that has been dropped on the common people, exacerbating their financial struggles. The Chief Minister emphasized that such decisions should not be made unilaterally without consulting the provincial governments, highlighting the need for a more collaborative approach in managing national economic policies.
Afridi further criticized the federal administration for its failure to manage expenditures effectively, urging them to focus on reducing their own costs rather than transferring the financial burden onto the citizens. He accused the central government of politicizing critical national issues, pointing out the inconsistency in their stance when petrol prices were raised during the COVID-19 pandemic—a move that had drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties at the time. Afridi contrasted this with his party’s approach, noting that they have refrained from exploiting tragedies such as the devastating floods in Punjab or the tragic fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi for political gain.
Expanding on the subsidy plan, Afridi noted that the province currently has between 1.4 to 1.6 million registered motorcycles, all of whose owners stand to benefit from this financial assistance. This move is part of a broader strategy by the KP government to provide tangible support to its residents amid the ongoing economic challenges. Additionally, Afridi assured the public that the fares for the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system will remain unchanged despite the rising operational costs, with the provincial government absorbing the additional expenses to maintain affordable public transportation.
In an effort to further tighten the provincial budget, Afridi announced several austerity measures, including a ban on the purchase and sale of new vehicles within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Moreover, restrictions have been placed on international travel for government officials as part of the cost-cutting drive. He also addressed concerns related to the recent helicopter crash involving the provincial government’s aircraft, confirming that no new helicopter will be procured at this time, underscoring the administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Overall, these steps reflect the provincial government’s proactive stance in shielding its citizens from the adverse effects of inflation and economic instability. Afridi’s announcements come at a time when Pakistan is grappling with multiple internal and external challenges, including geopolitical tensions and domestic economic pressures, making such relief measures crucial for the welfare of the people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
