Energy emergency imposed in entire region; Govt provides Rs 129bn subsidy on petroleum products: Ikhtair  Wali

PESHAWAR, Apr 03 (APP):Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Information and KP Affairs, Ikhtair Wali Khan on Friday said that an energy emergency has been imposed across the entire region amid ongoing challenges especially in the energy sector.

About rising fuel costs, he added that increases in petroleum product prices are part of a global trend and not limited to Pakistan.

He revealed that the government has provided a subsidy of Rs129 billion on petroleum prices to ease the burden on the public, says a statement here.

According to him, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has taken key steps to provide relief, including halting an increase in railway fares and preventing a hike in toll taxes.

He emphasized that despite difficult economic conditions, the prime minister is actively working to support citizens.

Criticizing the opposition, Ikhtiar Wali Khan said that instead of standing with the public, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is engaged in negative propaganda.

He also alleged that huge funds were released for development in Tirah, but no accountability has been provided to date.

Furthermore, he claimed that the PTI government failed to establish even a single hospital in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during its tenure.

He highlighted rising economic pressures and ongoing government relief efforts.

Ikhtair Wali said that petroleum prices have increased not only in Pakistan but across the region and globally. “The sources of oil are themselves engulfed in conflict,” he remarked.

Despite these challenges, he said, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif continues to provide subsidies to support low-income segments of society. He added that transport in Islamabad has been made free and increases in railway fares have been halted to ease the burden on citizens.

Criticizing the previous provincial administration, Ikhtiar Wali Khan alleged that a former KP finance minister had severely damaged Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s treasury.

He maintained that even under difficult conditions, the federal government is striving to provide maximum relief to the public.

He also criticized Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), saying the party lacks a constructive agenda and is focused only on symbolic actions and negative politics.

Ikhtair Wali questioned the provincial leadership about missing funds worth Rs13 billion and alleged that the KP Ramazan relief package was distributed among ministers, advisers and PTI workers instead of deserving people.

Furthermore, he asked the provincial government to clarify the status of 34 universities it had promised to build.

Concluding his remarks, Ikhtiar Wali Khan urged the public to remain calm and assured them that the Prime Minister is attentive to their concerns. He emphasized that this is a time for national unity and advised citizens to stay away from propaganda.