Speaking at a provincial cabinet meeting in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi strongly criticized the federal government, stating that the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices is equivalent to placing an additional burden on the public.

He said that nearly 45% of the country's population has fallen below the poverty line, and the current wave of inflation has become unbearable for the poor, middle class, and upper-middle class alike. He added that temporary and cosmetic measures will not solve the problems; instead, a consistent and long-term policy is essential.

The Chief Minister stated that during the previous government, despite the global pandemic, the economy was growing at a rate of 6.1% and relief was being provided to the public, whereas today petrol prices have exceeded Rs450 per litre.

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He alleged that the current rulers lack both a clear policy and an effective plan to tackle the crisis, resulting in rising inflation, unemployment, and economic difficulties.

Muhammad Sohail Afridi further said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government's relief policy for motorcyclists and farmers is being appreciated at the national level, and that the provincial government is taking steps to provide relief to the public despite challenging circumstances.

He also stated that attempts by the federal government to cut provincial funds have been effectively resisted, while the province is not being given its full share under the NFC award. He added that the failure to fully financially integrate the tribal districts is also a shortcoming of the federal government.

The Chief Minister said that the province has borne the burden of damages caused by recent floods and cloudbursts on its own, and is also utilizing its own resources in the fight against terrorism, without receiving sufficient support from the federal government.

He further noted that increasing imports and decreasing exports are widening the trade deficit, while the rise in the dollar's value will further fuel inflation.

In conclusion, the Chief Minister demanded that the federal government immediately present a clear and comprehensive economic policy, adding that the provincial government will soon introduce more relief measures to reduce the impact of inflation and will not let the public be crushed under its burden.