KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Karachi General Secretary Arsalan Khalid has condemned the federal government for collecting Rs 100 billion above the target under the petroleum levy, labeling it as an act of enmity toward the public. Khalid criticized what he described as the extortion of over Rs 1,567 billion through increased petrol prices, accusing the government of holding citizens hostage at petrol pumps to collect what he termed as ransom.

According to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Khalid alleged that the government's actions are akin to selling the blood of the poor to secure financial benefits, describing the current administration as incompetent and lacking a viable economic plan. He remarked that this administration, which he referred to as the PDM-2 regime, has committed what he termed a historic robbery against the public by imposing a heavy petroleum levy. Khalid highlighted the impact on the middle class, who he claimed are burdened by rising fuel and electricity costs.

Khalid emphasized that PTI will not remain silent on this issue and intends to voice its opposition to what it sees as economic exploitation. He called for an immediate reduction in the petroleum levy to alleviate the financial strain on the public and warned the government about potential public backlash due to increasing inflation.