The ongoing Middle East conflict and Pakistan’s rising fuel prices were at the center of discussion during Samaa TV show 'Nadeem Malik Live'.

Political leaders shared sharp views on the Iran war, petroleum price hikes and the government’s austerity policies. Participants in the program included PML-N Senator Abid Sher Ali, economist and former finance minister Miftah Ismail, and Senator Saleem Mandviwala.

Abid Sher Ali strongly criticized the role of the United States and Israel in the ongoing conflict with Iran. He said Israel committed cruelty and barbarity in Iran with the support of the United States, adding that Iranian citizens were targeted in the attacks.

According to him, America and Israel conspired to weaken Arab countries so that the burden of conflict would ultimately fall on Iran.

During the discussion, Abid Sher Ali stressed the need for unity in the Muslim world. He said Muslim countries should come together on one platform to address regional challenges.

Ali also claimed that America uses its resources sparingly while maintaining strong support for Israel. “America stands with Israel,” he said, adding that Israel effectively influences decision-making in the United States.

Warning of wider regional conflict

The PML-N leader warned that the entire region could be engulfed in war if tensions continue to escalate. He cautioned that a large-scale conflict would cause severe damage across the region.

“If war breaks out, the region will suffer a lot,” he said.

Miftah Ismail criticises petroleum price hike

Former finance minister Miftah Ismail criticized the government’s decision to raise fuel prices. He claimed that petrol tax was increased by Rs20 while the price of petroleum products rose by Rs35.

According to him, petroleum prices were deliberately increased, allowing companies to benefit from higher rates.

Miftah argued that if there had been an actual shortage of petroleum products, the tax could have been imposed at Rs55.55. He suggested that the prime minister should have reduced the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) by 50% to manage financial pressures.

Ismail added that some austerity measures had been implemented through PSDP reductions, but questioned other decisions taken by the government.

Criticism of school closures

Ismail also criticized the decision to close schools in the name of austerity. He said educational institutions were closed without proper analysis, arguing that the move was unnecessary.

“No matter what, schools are closed,” he said, expressing concern about the impact on students.

The former minister also raised concerns about Pakistan’s broader economic challenges. He stated that poverty has increased by 7% compared to 2018.

Ismail emphasized the need for governance reforms, saying that despite changes in leadership, progress and improvement remain limited.

Mandviwala questions fuel price increase

Senator Saleem Mandviwala also criticized the increase in petroleum prices. He said that during a briefing, OGRA officials indicated there was no hoarding of petroleum products, yet prices were still raised.

Mandviwala suggested that multiple factors could have influenced the pricing decision, adding that it might have been a mistake.

Mandviwala said a meeting has been scheduled for the following day, where both the finance minister and the petroleum minister will be invited. He noted that other countries did not increase petroleum prices, raising questions about Pakistan’s decision.

The senator also criticized what he described as an artificial austerity campaign. He pointed out that the Ministry of Information has a budget of Rs1,500 billion, questioning the consistency of austerity measures.

Mandviwala added that lawmakers would also ask the finance minister about the official price of the Gulf Stream ship.