Karachi, April 6: Citizens of Pakistan have taken to the streets to protest against the recent surge in petroleum prices and escalating inflation. Demonstrations occurred in various regions, including Karachi, Jacobabad, Hyderabad, and Sukkur, throughout Sindh province.
In Sukkur, the Sindh United Party (SUP) organized a protest outside the local press club on Sunday. According to reports from the prominent newspaper Dawn, a significant number of party activists donned shrouds during the demonstration and staged a hunger strike.
During the protest, SUP leader Aidan Jagirani criticized the increase in fuel prices, stating that the “genie of inflation” has emerged, making it increasingly difficult for the working class to afford essential food items.
Activists from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also rallied at the press club. Senior party leader Gohar Khan Khoso announced that petrol prices have reached 378 PKR (Pakistani Rupees) per liter, warning that if the government does not provide immediate relief and eliminate unnecessary taxes, protests will intensify.
Meanwhile, the Awami Tehreek held a rally from Teer Chowk to Ghanta Ghar in Sukkur, followed by a sit-in. Party leaders Ahmed Katiyar and lawyer Sarwan Jatoi accused the government of using the Middle East conflict as an excuse for raising petrol prices to 378 PKR and diesel prices to 520 PKR per liter. They labeled the subsidy announcements by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah as “cosmetic measures.”
Similarly, the National Trade Union Federation Pakistan (NTUF) and Home-Based Women Workers Federation (HBWWF) organized a joint protest in Karachi, where labor representatives and various political and human rights organizations participated. Protesters carried placards demanding the abolition of the petroleum levy and an increase in wages in line with current inflation.
According to Dawn, labor leaders, including Nasir Mansoor and Zahra Khan, rejected the economic frameworks of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank. They urged the government to postpone foreign debt repayments and revoke the entitlement of free fuel for officials.
The Aam Insaan Tehreek organized a bicycle rally to illustrate the difficulties faced by residents of Jacobabad in accessing motor transport. Movement leaders, including Syed Ali Shah and Altaf Mirani, stated that officials have “snatched food from the mouths of the poor.” They called on the government to reduce its “royal” expenditures and government protocols instead of burdening the people.
On April 3, the Pakistan Human Rights Council (HRC) protested against the fuel price hikes at the Karachi Press Club, deeming it “unjust” and warning that it further burdens the public financially.
According to the rights organization, a large number of citizens, civil society members, and activists participated in the protest, expressing serious concerns over the continuous rise in fuel prices and its direct impact on inflation and living costs.
The Pakistani HRC stated, “Speakers collectively demanded that the government take immediate steps to control inflation and provide relief to the common people. They warned that if such anti-people measures continue, the movement will escalate.”
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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