Former finance minister Miftah Ismail has strongly criticized the federal government’s recent economic policies following another increase in petrol and diesel prices announced by the Petroleum Division for the coming week.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Miftah Ismail described the latest fuel price hike as yet another “petrol bomb” on the public, arguing that ordinary citizens continue to suffer while influential sectors benefit. He claimed that policy decisions repeatedly place the financial burden on the general population, with little relief in sight.
According to Miftah Ismail, oil marketing companies tend to gain from rising petrol prices, while refineries benefit from diesel price adjustments. He further noted that fertilizer companies continue to profit due to high urea prices, whereas farmers are left struggling under increasing costs and financial pressure.
He also referenced past examples to support his argument. In the sugar sector, he said consumers bore the impact of rising prices, while in wheat procurement seasons, middlemen and stockists often benefited more than the farmers themselves. These patterns, he suggested, highlight structural issues in how economic policies are implemented.
Miftah Ismail went on to criticize government spending, pointing out that political elites, ministers, parliamentarians, and senior bureaucrats continue to receive increasing perks and benefits. Meanwhile, taxpayers face mounting financial challenges due to inflation and higher living costs.
He concluded that this recurring cycle has prevented meaningful economic relief for the average Pakistani. As a result, he argued, real incomes have declined significantly when compared to 2014 levels, further widening the gap between ordinary citizens and more powerful groups in the economy.
Also Read: Government Raises Petrol, Diesel Prices and Revises Levy
