Peshawar(The COW News Digital)Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has criticized the practice of shifting the financial burden of government spending onto the public, calling it an inappropriate approach to governance amid rising economic pressures.
In a statement issued from Peshawar, Afridi outlined the provincial government’s stance regarding the country’s current fuel supply situation and recent increases in petroleum prices. He said the issue was discussed during a meeting with federal authorities, including the ministers responsible for finance and petroleum.
According to Afridi, the federal government briefed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa administration on concerns that fuel supply lines could face disruptions due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Officials reportedly warned that these geopolitical developments could affect fuel availability and lead to further pressure on domestic prices.
However, the chief minister emphasized that the provincial government would not support measures that directly impact citizens already struggling with inflation and economic hardship. He said increasing fuel prices and transferring the consequences of international crises to ordinary people cannot be considered a sustainable or responsible policy.
Afridi argued that governments should first review their own spending patterns before imposing additional costs on the public. “It is not proper governance for governments to continue unnecessary or luxury expenditures and then pass the burden of economic challenges to citizens,” he said.
The chief minister also pointed out that petroleum prices have a direct influence on the broader economy. When fuel becomes more expensive, transportation costs increase, which in turn raises the prices of essential commodities, food items, and other everyday goods. Such increases, he warned, could intensify inflation and further strain household budgets.
Referring to the ongoing regional tensions, Afridi said that the impact of the Iran-US-Israel conflict should not be transferred to Pakistani consumers through higher petrol prices. Instead, he urged policymakers to adopt a more balanced approach that prioritizes public relief.
He suggested that during times of crisis, governments should redirect funds from non-essential or luxury expenditures toward subsidies and relief measures that benefit the public. Afridi stressed that responsible economic management requires protecting citizens rather than adding to their financial difficulties.
The chief minister concluded by calling for careful policy decisions aimed at maintaining economic stability while safeguarding the welfare of the people.
