QUETTA - Protesting the latest hike in petroleum prices, Balochistan Traders Association (BTA) has threatened to launch civil disobedience if the decision was not withdrawn
Scores of workers of BTA, led by its President Abdul Rahim Kakar, staged a demonstration at Mezan Chowk protesting the mounting hike in petroleum products. They were shouting anti-government slogans and urging the government to call off the increase.
The protesters said the increase in fuel prices would affect the prices of other commodities, causing further inflation in the country. Addressing the protesters BTA leaders, including Abdul Rahim Kakar and Allah Dad rejected the rise, saying the recent increase in petroleum product is unjust and would further push the poor people into misery. “Incumbent government made 50 per cent increase in petroleum products during past four years,” they added.
They said that the claimant of providing bread, clothe and shelter to the people were completely silent over the miseries of people. “Rulers have no sympathy with the problems and difficulties of people because they are busy in looting and plundering the country,” they alleged. Protesting traders threatened the government that if the hike in petroleum products was not taken back they would come up with massive protest and start civil disobedience movement. They also criticized government for deteriorating law and order in the province, saying incidents of kidnapping for ransom had become a routine matter.
They said that incidents of target killing were fanning differences amongst people.