ISLAMABAD: The government has announced another hike in the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel.
According to an official notification issued by the Petroleum Division, the price of high-speed diesel has been increased by Rs 6.41 per litre, pushing its new rate to Rs 415.83 per litre.
Similarly, the price of petrol has been raised by Rs 4.10 per litre, setting the new price at Rs 384.34 per litre.
The notification stated that the newly revised petroleum prices will come into effect starting September 16.
No Smart Lockdown Planned in Islamabad, Says Tariq Fazal Chaudhry
Earlier, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has rejected reports of a proposed “smart lockdown” in Islamabad, saying no such proposal was discussed at a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
Speaking to the media, the minister said the meeting focused on issues related to petroleum products and did not consider any plan to shut down Islamabad or introduce a four-day working week.
He said the government had decided to provide targeted subsidies for three-wheelers and vehicles with engines up to 800cc for three months. Public representatives would also be assigned the responsibility of informing citizens about the relief package.
Earlier, a media report, citing sources, had claimed that the government was considering a proposal to reduce petroleum consumption and national expenditures by introducing a four-day working week and three holidays.
According to the report, the proposed schedule could apply to government and private offices as well as educational institutions. It was also claimed that some employees could work from home while others would attend offices under a revised arrangement.
However, Chaudhry categorically denied that any such “smart lockdown” proposal had been discussed at the meeting chaired by Ishaq Dar.
Commenting on the possibility of protests and political activities in the federal capital, the minister said Islamabad would not be shut down.
He said there were reports of three marches being planned during September, adding that, in his view, the marches organized by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had been particularly marked by violence and disorder.
Referring to a recent Islamabad High Court ruling, Chaudhry said the administration had been directed to ensure the movement of citizens remained uninterrupted and that no political party or its leaders would be allowed to occupy public spaces.
“The administration is performing its duty,” he said, adding that those repeatedly attempting to march on Islamabad under the banner of peaceful protests should consider the consequences of such actions.
The federal minister questioned the effectiveness of protests aimed at changing the political system.
He asked whether simply arriving at the Prime Minister’s residence and demanding his resignation would actually result in the prime minister stepping down.
Chaudhry said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had repeatedly offered to hold talks with the opposition.
The minister also criticized scenes witnessed in Lahore a day earlier, describing them as an example of political immaturity and disrespect for public office.
Without naming the individual directly, he referred to the conduct of a provincial chief minister, saying that a chief minister should uphold the dignity of the office rather than being seen sitting on vehicles or pavements.
He said all chief ministers were respected and should themselves ensure that the dignity of their respective offices was maintained.
