ISLAMABAD, February 16: The National Assembly held further debate on a motion regarding situation arising out of non-reduction of oil prices in accordance with the international market and implementation of the Pakistan Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1952 in PIA.
The National Assembly resumed its session in Islamabad with Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in the chair.
Resuming the debate, Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said that fleet of PIA has increased but there was no increased in its revenues. He alleged that blue eyed people were appointed in PIA. He appreciated the government for not taking side in Saudi Arabia-Iran tension. He emphasized that after lifting of sanctions against Iran, Pakistan-Iran Gas Pipeline Project should be implemented to overcome shortage of energy in the country. He demanded decrease in the oil prices to provide relief to the people.
Leader of the Opposition Syed Khurshid Ahmad Shah said the Government is charging average 37 per cent sales tax on Diesel, Petrol and Furnace Oil which is very high. He said the government’s oil import bill has also decreased due to declining oil prices in the international market but the relief has not been passed on to the masses. He emphasized that electricity prices should also be curtailed.
Asad Umar criticised the government for increasing taxes on petroleum products. He pointed out that diesel is cheaper in 72 countries of the world than in Pakistan. He said the diesel is also cheaper in Sri Lanka, Iran and India as compared to Pakistan. He claimed that electricity shortfall was 4200 MW when the present government took over but now it has increased to 4700 MW. He said the circular debt has again accumulated to the tune of 330 billion rupees.-Sabah
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