By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistanis across the country on Saturday condemned the government's latest decision to increase the petroleum prices by Rs 26 per litter in the South Asian country where people already facing huge price hikes.

The caretaker government announced to increase in the prices of petrol by Rs26.02 and Rs17.34 per litre, respectively, to over Rs330.

This is the first time in the country's history that petroleum prices crossed Rs 300 as the caretaker government increased around Rs 60 per litter during last 30 days.

The announcement brought tough criticism from opposition politicians and the public as the people already facing huge price hikes and prices of commodities increased by 100% during last 17 months since the government of former prime minister Imran Khan toppled in April 2022. 

“Now silence is death,” said Sirajul Haq, Chief of Jamaat-e-Islami.

Haq announced to hold massive rallies in front of governor houses across the country on September 18 against the price hike in Pakistan.

“Strongly condemns the further increase in the price of petrol, the government has made life difficult for the people by taking this step as per the IMF [directives]. Jamaat-e-Islami, which has been protesting against the brutal hike in electricity, petrol and diesel prices, has announced a sit-in outside all four governor's houses. I appeal to the people that silence now is death. Don't wait for death, leave your homes and be a part of this protest program with Jamaat-e-Islami,” Haq wrote on X.

The country major opposition political party of former prime minister Imran Khan also condemned the increased in petroleum prices and said “fascist regime has completely crushed the poor people of Pakistan.”

“A massive increase in petrol and diesel prices once again, rs 26 and rs 17 respectively. In order to stop Imran Khan and PTI , the fascist regime has completely crushed the poor people of Pakistan. The fascism has to end in order to stabilise our country,” PTI said.

Journalists and civil society also strongly condemned the government's decision and demanded to immediately withdraw the latest increase