Public left in the lurch as petrol crisis continues

Rawalpindi
Instead of taking effective steps to resume smooth supply of petrol in the country, particularly Punjab, the government is busy in making elusive statements, which has left public in the lurch. The situation is having a bad impact on the public transport system.
Transporters as well as public have reacted in a strong manner over the government’s inability in taking solid steps for resolving the crisis after lapse of eight days. They blamed the government, PSO, oil companies and filling stations for creating difficulties for public.
A key officer of the Pakistan State Oil (PSO), on condition of anonymity, said: “Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is only making statements. No solid step has been taken to resurrect the situation. The issue would not be resolved till the clearance of circular debt.”
He said that the prime minister is taking useless steps against innocent officers only to pacify the angry public. “Only and only prime minister could resolve this issue otherwise this matter would get worse,” he warned.
Rawalpindi and Islamabad Suzuki Welfare Association Chairman Raja Riaz said that the government has snatched the last loaf of bread from poor people. More than 80 per cent Suzuki and wagons have stopped due to petrol shortage but the government is only giving allusive statements rather to resolve the issue, he denounced.
Talking to ‘The News,’ people belonging to different walks of life said that public is facing difficulties for eight days but the government seeing the whole drama with closed eyes.
Shazia Mansoor, a working lady, said that she could not reach her office due to shortage of transport on roads. “I was hiring taxicabs for some days to reach my office but how could I afford to hire taxicabs everyday,” she said.
Shabbir Ahmed, a Suzuki driver, said that the government has snatched bread and butter as I am here in my home for four days without work. “How could I earn livelihood for my family,” he added.