Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has spoken out against the federal government’s decision to increase fuel prices amid ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel. In a clear statement issued from Peshawar, Afridi criticized the approach taken by the central administration.
The senior official highlighted that provincial officials had recently met with their federal counterparts to address concerns over potential disruptions in fuel supply lines resulting from geopolitical issues. During this meeting, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s representatives were informed about possible shortages and how they might affect petroleum prices nationwide.
In his statement, Afridi emphasized the provincial government’s stance: it would not endorse policies that imposed financial hardships on the public. He argued that proper governance involved managing crises responsibly rather than exacerbating them with sudden price hikes.
Afridi also stressed that current spending should be reconsidered for its necessity and redirected towards more essential uses. Specifically, he suggested reallocating funds from luxury expenditures to provide subsidies during difficult times.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leader concluded by asserting that instead of raising petrol prices due to international conflicts, governments should channel resources toward equitable support mechanisms for their citizens.