Karachi: The Sindh Assembly has passed a formal resolution calling on the federal government to abolish the petroleum levy across the country to provide immediate financial relief to consumers struggling with inflation. Presided over by Speaker Awais Qadir Shah, the provincial legislature approved the motion initially presented by Jamaat e Islami (JI) lawmaker Muhammad Farooq.
Addressing the floor, Sindh Home Minister Zia ul Hassan Lanjar clarified that whilst the provincial executive lacks the constitutional authority to unilaterally repeal federal fuel surcharges, the assembly remains fully empowered to formally petition Islamabad to withdraw the tax.
The legislative push coincides with renewed high level engagements between the federal government and Jamaat e Islami over public relief measures. Both sides recently agreed to constitute separate expert committees to analyse technical mechanisms for reducing the petroleum levy and easing consumer end prices. Minister Lanjar reiterated that the Sindh government would actively take up the assembly's resolution with federal authorities to ensure the province's concerns are represented in ongoing policy reviews.
The parliamentary session was marked by tense exchanges and disruptions from opposition benches. Members of Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM P), including MPA Taha Ahmad, created an uproar during proceedings, prompting Speaker Awais Qadir Shah to intervene and urge restraint.
Further controversy erupted when MQM P lawmaker Ali Khurshidi pointed out that treasury bench members and cabinet ministers were observed watching videos on their mobile phones during active house proceedings. Acknowledging the breach of decorum, the Speaker requested an official list of the offending members to take appropriate action.
