Pakistan: Workers protest inflation, warn government of nationwide agitation
Speaking at the meeting, National Rickshaw Association Chairman Rana Shamjad rejected the recent increases in fuel prices and demanded that oil prices be brought back to pre-conflict and geopolitical tension levels. He stated that transportation workers are struggling to survive in the face of increasing fuel and basic necessities prices.
Read more: Owaisi tells NDA government Pakistan should return to FATF ‘grey list’
Many protesters described the increasing burden of daily expenses, claiming that a significant portion of their income was consumed on fuel, food and basic needs. Rickshaw driver Muhammad Jameel said that despite spending long hours on the road, working people return home hungry. He stated the rising prices of food, gas, electricity and other household essentials, arguing that the government’s economic policies have disproportionately affected low-income citizens across the country.
Speaking at the protest, railway worker Inayat Ali Gujjar said workers in different sectors are facing unprecedented financial pressure. He claimed that inflation had completely eroded the purchasing power of citizens, leaving families unable to meet even their basic needs. Gujjar called on the government to reduce electricity, gas and oil prices and significantly increase wages and pensions to help workers cope with the cost of living crisis.
Protesters argued that workers, transport workers and public sector workers played a vital role in the functioning of the country, but their concerns continued to be ignored. Demonstrators carried banners and chanted slogans, demanding urgent measures to reduce long-term inflation and improve living conditions.
Read more: Pakistani minister Naqvi in Iran for first high-level visit after first peace agreement
They stated that if their demands are not met, the protest movement may spread to other cities across the country. They blamed the ruling authorities for worsening economic conditions and said public frustration was growing with rising prices and stagnant incomes.
