Imran invites nation to take to streets, hold 'peaceful demonstrations' on Sunday against inflation

Published June 16, 2022
Former prime minister Imran Khan speaks during a video message. — Screengrab
Former prime minister Imran Khan speaks during a video message. — Screengrab

Former prime minister Imran Khan on Thursday urged the public to take to the streets on Sunday (June 19) at 9pm to stage a "peaceful demonstration" against rising inflation, which he said has been the doing of a government "incapable of handling the economy".

In a recorded video message, Imran warned that inflation would soar even higher in days to come if the nation "kept sitting idly".

"I am inviting the entire nation for a peaceful protest against inflation. I invite trade unions, professionals, doctors, engineers, clerks, and government workers to take to the streets," appealed the ex-PM.

He said he wanted to ask the incumbent rulers why they "indulged in a conspiracy" when they were not capable of handling the economy and the country.

Imran said the nation remembers the narrative of the incumbent government leaders when they were in the opposition and used to critique inflation. "Now the reality is before everyone."

"When we left the government, petrol was priced at Rs150 per litre and it was raised by Rs50 in our three-and-a-half-year tenure," the ex-PM recalled.

Imran said that the International Monetary Fund was also pressing the PTI government to raise fuel prices, because of which "we had reserved Rs200 billion in subsidies realising the impending impact of fuel price hike on the public."

He noted the government had raised the price of petrol by Rs85 in mere 20 days — contrary to Rs50 hike made by the PTI in its nearly four-year rule — and expressed apprehension that the prices would go even further up.

The former premier warned that a further hike in diesel prices would wreak an "economic havoc" in the country.

He said his government had left the electricity tariff at Rs16 per unit, lamenting that the new government had since taken it to Rs30 per unit.

"A 20kg sack of wheat was available for Rs1,100 and it has now surged to Rs1,500. Similarly, ghee price has been hiked to Rs650 per kg from Rs400."

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...