ISLAMABAD: A long march led by the opposition Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), which rallied thousands of supporters from the city of Karachi to Islamabad to demonstrate against Prime Minister Imran Khan, concluded in the capital late on Tuesday night.
The march, which started in the southern port city of Karachi on February 27, was led by PPP co-chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and arrived on the outskirts of Islamabad on Tuesday afternoon, coinciding with Pakistani opposition parties moving a no-confidence motion in parliament to seek the ouster of Khan over accusations of poor governance and the mismanagement of the economy.
The no confidence move is the toughest challenge Khan has faced since he rose to power in 2018. His critics have widely accused that year’s general election of being rigged. Khan denies this.
“We exposed him [Khan] in front of the world from day one, that he isn’t elected but selected, and we have been struggling against him since then,” Bhutto-Zardari said while addressing the crowd at Islamabad’s D-chowk, a famous gathering point for protesters. “We feel that democracy is the best revenge and we are sending him home through a democratic way.”
“The PPP has never taken any undemocratic step .... and we are ousting the selected through a no-confidence motion.”
Just outside Islamabad, Bhutto-Zardari had warned Khan: “Resign in 24 hours and face us in an election, or be prepared for a no-confidence move.”
Hours later, the opposition submitted a formal request requiring Khan to seek a parliamentary vote of confidence. The opposition needs a simple majority of 172 and says it requires just 11 more votes to force Khan out.
Critics of Khan, a former cricket star, say he has lost the backing of the powerful military whose support they say secured the path to power for his political party four years ago. Khan and the military deny this.
'Democracy is the best revenge': Rally calling for PM’s ouster concludes in Islamabad
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'Democracy is the best revenge': Rally calling for PM’s ouster concludes in Islamabad
- The march started in Karachi on February 27 and was led by opposition leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
- It’s arrival in capital coincided with opposition parties moving no-confidence motion seeking Khan’s ouster
Pakistan PM gives 48 hours to draft fuel-saving plan as global oil prices surge
- Government warns against hoarding after sharp fuel price hike amid Middle East tensions
- PM wants provinces to enforce anti-profiteering measures and prevent public exploitation
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked his administration to formulate a strategy for fuel conservation and austerity in government affairs within 48 hours after a sharp rise in global oil prices pushed the country to increase domestic fuel rates, a senior minister said on Saturday.
The directive comes a day after the government raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 ($0.20) per liter, citing a surge in international energy prices triggered by escalating conflict in the Middle East after Israel and the United States launched attacks on Iran. The situation has rattled global oil markets and threatened key shipping routes.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said Sharif had instructed officials to urgently prepare a practical plan aimed at reducing fuel consumption and promoting austerity across government institutions.
“The prime minister has given 48 hours to formulate an actionable strategy on savings, austerity and simplicity in government affairs,” he said in a social media post on X.
Tarar said Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik had also been tasked with consulting the country’s four provincial chief ministers to coordinate measures against fuel hoarding and ensure strict enforcement of government directives.
He informed the ministers had been asked to ensure that speculation and profiteering in fuel markets were prevented, adding that authorities would take strict action against violators.
“The prime minister has directed that no leniency be shown to elements involved in exploiting the public,” he said, warning that licenses of those petrol pumps violating government orders could be revoked.
Tarar also urged the public not to pay attention to rumors regarding petroleum supplies or pricing, saying the government and relevant ministries would continue to release verified information as the situation evolves.
He said Pakistan was not alone in facing rising energy costs, noting that many countries were grappling with similar pressures due to volatility in global oil markets.
Pakistan relies heavily on imported fuel to meet its energy needs and is particularly vulnerable to global price shocks, which can quickly push up inflation and strain the country’s fragile external accounts.
