Lahore: Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik has called for setting aside political differences and personal likes and dislikes to collectively confront the renewed wave of terrorism and protect Pakistan’s national interests. Addressing a ceremony here on Sunday, he expressed grief over the loss of lives in recent terrorist incidents, including the attack in Dera Ismail Khan, where 13 to 14 people were killed, as well as incidents in Bannu and other areas. He prayed for the departed souls and paid tribute to the armed forces, soldiers and other victims. Ali Pervaiz Malik said a new wave of terrorism was once again raising its head, while the Pakistan Army personnel were courageously confronting the menace. He urged all political and social stakeholders to end their internal disputes and focus on countering terrorism. He called upon the people to repose confidence in state institutions and put political preferences aside for the sake of Pakistan.
‘There is nothing above Pakistan, neither politics nor any individual interest,’ he said. The minister said the regional situation was also a matter of serious concern, referring to the continuing tensions involving Iran, India and Kashmir, as well as the situation in Palestine. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent address reflected the sentiments of the nation and stressed the need for moving the region towards a ceasefire and lasting peace. He said the government would take responsible decisions for Pakistan’s sovereignty, dignity and regional stability, adding that the entire team would stand behind Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s decisions in the national interest. The federal minister also appreciated the roles being played by Field Marshal Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Mohsin Naqvi in dealing with the prevailing challenges and paid tribute to their efforts.
Talking about petroleum prices, Ali Pervaiz Malik acknowledged that the increase in fuel prices had caused considerable difficulties for the people. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was committed to taking decisions that would enhance Pakistan’s dignity in the international community. He said the government would pass on the benefit of any reduction in international oil prices to consumers as soon as prices in the global market started declining. Referring to current international oil prices, he said the Dubai crude price had reached around $114 per barrel, while diesel, which had previously been around $114, had risen to around $160 per barrel. The minister said the prime minister had reduced the petrol price by Rs100 per liter and the government was taking measures to provide relief to people facing difficulties due to high fuel prices. He said more than six million people had registered their motorcycles and vehicles, while the number of people owning motorcycles that were around 20 years old was also
close to six million. Ali Pervaiz Malik said the government would not step back from its responsibility during the difficult period. If the prevailing situation continued for 10 months, he said, the government was prepared to reduce Rs400 to Rs500 billion from its own budget and spend the amount on providing relief to the people.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was fully aware of the difficulties being faced by the people and assured that the government would not repeat the approach adopted by the previous government. The minister added the state was not so weak that anyone could enter Islamabad and secure the release of any individual through pressure. He stressed the need for political leaders to perform their responsibilities from their respective positions at a time when the country was facing serious challenges. He also questioned whether the prevailing circumstances did not require Sohail Afridi to visit the families of the martyrs and stand by them. He expressed concern that negligence and political confrontation at this stage could pose risks to the state. Ali Pervaiz Malik urged all stakeholders to avoid becoming entangled in internal disputes and instead concentrate on strengthening national unity, protecting Pakistan’s interests and confronting the challenges facing the country.