6 million benefit from subsidised petrol scheme: Ali Pervez Malik

Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez Malik has said that more than 6 million deserving people have benefited from the government’s subsidised petrol scheme.

Addressing a ceremony in Lahore, the minister said the government was prepared to continue the scheme for another 10 months if necessary. He said the government would reduce its own expenditure and allocate resources from the budget to provide relief to the public.

Ali Pervez Malik said that if the subsidised petrol programme had to continue for 10 months, the government could cut Rs400 billion to Rs500 billion from its budget and spend the money on providing relief to citizens.

The minister also clarified his recent remarks about petroleum prices, saying his statement had been presented incorrectly. He explained that he had said controlling petrol prices would become difficult if a shortage occurred.

“Pakistan will never face a shortage of oil,” he said, adding that there was no reason for the public to fear an interruption in petroleum supplies.

Speaking about the political situation, Ali Pervez Malik urged the opposition to put the country’s interests ahead of political activities. He said political parties could pursue their agendas but should keep national interests as the priority.

He warned that elements attempting to threaten the state would not be allowed to succeed. He said no one would be permitted to attack the state or challenge its authority.

The federal minister said Pakistan was more important than any individual or political interest. He rejected the idea that anyone could secure the release of a person by marching towards Islamabad.

“If anyone thinks that marching on Islamabad can secure someone’s release, the state is not so weak,” he said.

Ali Pervez Malik also called on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to visit Dera Ismail Khan and Kohat and offer prayers for those affected by recent incidents.