A shocking rise in petroleum prices has given birth to widespread public outrage. Representatives of the trading community, farmers and transporters have reacted sharply to the increase. The unorganised sections of the lower middle class commuting on motorbikes have also been badly hit by the rise. What has worried the government most are the concerns expressed by its allies whose support keeps Prime Minister Imrran Khan in power. The rise is not due to the international hike in petrol price alone as the government would make people believe, but also its agreement with the IMF to increase the levy on all petroleum products. The rise will significantly add to the already high prices of commodities of daily use.
Rising prices will also have political consequences. The allies’ pressure on the government would increase. Tho ensure their continuous loyalty, the PM will have to yield to their further demands. The Punjab government has already decided to offer four more ministerial posts while at the centre it is proposed to appoint five ministers of state from the allied parties. But will it satisfy the allies as BAP alone demands five posts of cabinet ministers? The rising prices have affected the rank and file of the PTI too, spreading dissatisfaction among those supposed to defend the government. Four federal ministers are reportedly being assigned the task of handling party affairs and strengthening the PTI. With the local body elections in Punjab and their second phase in KP due within months, the task assumes all the more importance. While PM Imran Khan hopes to sweep LB polls in Punjab, critics call it a day dream.
The  exorbitant hike in petrol prices  has provided the opposition another opportunity to expose  the govt and it  expects  that it would rally PTI dissidents and allies  to support the no-confidence move while  more people would join the opposition’s marches. The opposition is keen to overthrow the govt at the earliest. It has however failed to put forth  a reasonable plan regarding how  it would bring down the prices,  generate jobs,make businesses flourish  and put  the economy on an even keel. Raising people’s expectations is easier than fulfilling them. Unless the opposition evolves a realistic  plan to perform the Herculean task, within a couple of years it would land in a situation where the PTI now finds itself.
