Petroleum Minister Justifies Fuel Price Freeze to Support Balochistan Infrastructure

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik staunchly defended the government’s decision to maintain current fuel prices, arguing that Pakistan’s rates remain lower than neighboring countries and that the freeze is critical for funding development priorities in Balochistan. In a televised address on PTV, Malik revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made the tough call to forgo a proposed petrol price cut to channel funds into vital infrastructure, such as upgrading the N-25 highway linking Chaman to Balochistan’s interior.

Malik emphasized that Pakistan’s petroleum prices are still more affordable than those in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. He noted that since taking office, the government has slashed petrol and diesel prices by Rs30 to Rs40 per litre, easing financial strain.

The minister called on citizens to view the price freeze as a minor sacrifice for the long-term progress of underdeveloped regions like Balochistan, aligning with Sharif’s vision of inclusive and sustainable growth across all provinces.

Malik also highlighted positive economic trends, pointing to inflation dropping below 1% as evidence of recovery. He credited Sharif’s leadership for curbing inflation and stabilizing the economy while prioritizing development in Pakistan’s most neglected regions. The minister underscored that these efforts reflect a commitment to balancing economic stability with regional equity.