ISLAMABAD
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry has hit back at the opposition’s criticism on the increase in petroleum prices, saying that it should provide some alternative way to sort out the problem.
In a tweet on Thursday, Fawad asked how can the government not increase the rates when oil prices have increased from $60 to $95 per barrel in the international market.
“The important aspect of any criticism is that you should provide some alternative way to sort out the problem. If there is a magic lamp, then do share,” he tweeted.
His statement comes after criticism by the opposition over the hike in petrol prices. On Tuesday, the government announced a massive up to Rs12.03 per litre increase in the prices of petroleum products with effect from February 16. The new ex-depot price of petrol is Rs159.86 from Rs147.83 per litre after Rs12.03 per litre or 8.13 percent increase. The rate of high speed diesel (HSD) is also increased by Rs9.53 or 6.5 percent to Rs154.15 per litre from Rs144.62 per litre.
Meanwhile, Fawad has said the government has approved historic projects for the development of Jhelum and Tehreek-e-Insaf will get a clean sweep victory in the local body elections.
Talking to office bearers of Jhelum Press Club in Islamabad on Thursday, he said after 50 years, the prime minister has given the gift of Lillah to Jhelum Dual Carriage Way and canal to the people of Jhelum. He said that tender for Islamabad-Kharian Motorway has been issued and work will be started. He said after completion of this project, the distance from Jhelum to Islamabad will be reduced to 50 minutes.
He said that Lillah to Jhelum Dual Carriageway would become the most important highway of the country connecting Karachi, South Punjab and Central Punjab to Kashmir. The information minister said the digital lab and media hall at Jhelum Press Club would be completed soon keeping in view the innovations in digital and technology.
He said that under the Sehat Programme, health cards have been provided to the journalists of Jhelum, which will enable them to avail up to medical facilities of worth one million rupees. He assured that under the housing scheme, an easy loan facility would be ensured for the journalists of Jhelum.
