Petrol Prices Soar to Record High in Pakistan While Opposition Stays Silent on Public Crisis

Petrol Prices Hit Record High in Pakistan, But Opposition is Focused Elsewhere

In July 2025, petrol prices in Pakistan have reached an unprecedented high, crossing Rs. 310 per liter, placing immense pressure on the already struggling middle and lower-income classes. Surprisingly, this historic fuel price surge has not triggered any major protests or political campaigns from the opposition. Why? Because the entire opposition spectrum, especially parties like PTI, seems solely focused on the “Free Imran Khan” movement.

Soaring Petrol Prices: A National Burden

The cost of living in Pakistan has skyrocketed over the past year due to continuous hikes in energy and fuel prices. Petrol, a daily essential, has seen its price climb from Rs. 250 in early 2024 to over Rs. 310 in mid-2025. This increase affects everything — from transport fares to food costs, leading to another wave of inflation for common citizens.

Instead of addressing this critical issue, parliament debates and opposition rallies have largely ignored the economic hardships. Citizens expected that the rising fuel costs would ignite protests, especially by parties known for street power. But that hasn’t happened.

Political Silence: Why Is No One Talking?

The answer is simple: the opposition is entirely preoccupied with the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Ever since his arrest in controversial circumstances, the slogan of “Free Imran Khan” has dominated every political banner, social media trend, and press conference from PTI and its allies.

While political activism for human rights and judicial fairness is necessary, the complete silence on economic issues has raised serious questions. Is Imran Khan’s political future more important than the daily survival of 240 million Pakistanis?

Government’s Role: No Relief, No Explanation

Meanwhile, the government has provided no substantial relief. The justification for the price hike — including global oil market instability, depreciation of the Pakistani rupee, and IMF conditionalities — sounds familiar and repetitive.

The public expected fuel subsidies, alternate pricing plans, or even a transparent fuel pricing mechanism. But instead, the burden has been shifted entirely to the people. Taxi drivers, delivery workers, farmers, and daily wage laborers are among the worst affected.

Where Are the Voices?

Historically, opposition parties have protested price hikes with full force. Massive rallies, social media campaigns, and road blockades were common. But this time, all efforts are channeled into political showdowns over Imran Khan’s legal battles.

The general public has started asking:

• “Is the opposition still fighting for us, or only for their leader?”

• “Why is no one challenging the fuel crisis?”

• “Has our struggle been sidelined?”

Economic Struggle Must Not Be Ignored

Fuel prices are not just about numbers — they are about survival. With electricity, food, and transport becoming luxuries, many families are being pushed below the poverty line. A liter of petrol is now more expensive than a meal, yet the silence from opposition benches is deafening.

Pakistan needs a balanced voice — one that can fight for political justice and economic relief at the same time.

✅ Conclusion:

While the “Free Imran Khan” campaign continues to dominate headlines, the real war for the average Pakistani is being fought at the petrol station, the market, and the utility bill counter. Opposition parties must return to the ground realities — because political leadership means standing with the people not only in elections, but also in inflation.