NA adopts resolution to revisit POL prices

Nisar accuses govt of taking ‘jagga tax’

Statesman Report

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Thursday unanimously adopted a resolution to revisit recent increase in the petroleum prices.

The resolution came after Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gillani had proposed to constitute a parliamentary committee to discuss the prices issue with the finance minister.

The resolution was moved by Chaudhry Ahsan Iqbal of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz proposing a committee that will submit its recommendations within a week.

It also called for immediate withdrawal of increase in the petroleum prices to mitigate masses sufferings and avoid further inflation.

Earlier, in response to the demands of Opposition Leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, the Prime Minister informed the House that he had directed the finance minister to consider demand of the members.

He also proposed to constitute a parliamentary committee to resolve the matter.

Nisar Ali Khan criticising the imposition of petroleum levy, said the government should clarify if the levy was anything else than a 'Jagga Tax', Speaking from the floor of the lower house, Chaudhry Nisar accused the government of 'extorting money from the people'.

"People are being defrauded by giving an impression of increase in international (oil) prices," he maintained.

He regretted that prices of petroleum products were raised for 200 times over the past 10 years. Any increase in POL prices, before it is made applicable, must be debated in the Parliament.

He said an interim setup be installed for holding of fresh elections.

"The interim setup should neither be of our choice nor that of government's," he proposed, demanding immediate formation of an independent Election Commission.

Regarding introduction of a new amendment in the Constitution, Nisar said the amendment must not favour a particular party rather it should ensure holding of elections in a transparent manner.