PESHAWAR: The PPPhas rejected the recent increase in gas tariff and urged the federal government to ensure its immediate withdrawal to ease financial burden on the poor people.

In a statement issued here on Saturday, former provincial general secretary Humayun Khan said the government was in the habit of increasing the prices of natural gas before the advent of every winter to increase the misery of poor people.

`It is astonishing that our government is constantly increasing fuel rates when the prices of petroleum products are falling down in the international market,` he said seeking immediate decrease in gas and petroleum prices.

Mr. Humayun said the people, especially those liv-ing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, had been hit hard by poverty, unemployment and militancy for many years and therefore, the government should provide them with some sort of relief instead of increasing their socioeconomic problems.

He said the rich people remainedunaffectedwhether fuel prices were increased or decreased unlil
The PPP leader said the federal government was busy imposing new taxes on the people just for own luxuries.

He said his party won`t keep silence on the federal government`s `unjustified` moves including the recent hike in oil prices and would raise voice against them at all forums.Bureau Report