Malik Khuda Bakhsh, Chairman of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA), has said that the present leadership of the association is committed to addressing dealers’ issues on a priority basis and that every member now has the freedom to express his views.
He said petroleum dealers across Pakistan have also played an important role in implementing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Fuel Relief Package and have contributed to its successful implementation across the country.
The remarks were made during a dinner hosted by PPDA Vice Chairman Anwar Kamal in honour of journalists. PPDA Vice Chairman Malik Sher Khan and Tariq Hassan were also present at the gathering.
Malik Khuda Bakhsh Highlights Dealers’ Freedom of Expression
Malik Khuda Bakhsh said the current leadership of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association does not delay in taking up and resolving the issues faced by petroleum dealers.
He emphasized that members of the association have the freedom to express their views and raise concerns.
According to him, the association’s approach is focused on addressing dealers’ concerns while maintaining consultation and cooperation with relevant stakeholders.
He also acknowledged the role played by petroleum dealers across the country in implementing the government’s Fuel Relief Package.
PPDA Calls for Greater Government Consultation
Malik Khuda Bakhsh said Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik has assured the PPDA that the consultation process with the association will be accelerated and made more effective in the future.
He stressed that issues affecting the petroleum dealers’ sector can only be resolved through mutual consultation.
He said the association would continue to support positive government policies while expecting the government to fulfill commitments made to the leadership of petroleum dealers.
The PPDA chairman emphasized that continued engagement between the government and representatives of petroleum dealers would be important for resolving industry-related concerns.
Malik Khuda Bakhsh Discusses Government EV Policy
Responding to a question about the government’s electric vehicle policy, Malik Khuda Bakhsh said that providing greater facilities and incentives for electric vehicles and EV charging infrastructure could help Pakistan reduce its dependence on imported fuel.
He said promoting solar energy and electric vehicles could also help reduce reliance on imported fuel in Pakistan.
According to him, greater adoption of these alternatives could also contribute to efforts to address the rising costs of petrol and electricity.
His comments highlighted the importance of developing electric vehicle charging infrastructure alongside policies aimed at encouraging EV adoption.
Petroleum Dealers Seek Solutions Through Negotiations
Malik Khuda Bakhsh further said that the PPDA wants to resolve all issues through negotiations.
He said the association would continue working with oil marketing companies to find solutions that are acceptable to both petroleum dealers and the companies operating in the sector.
According to him, cooperation and consultation should remain central to resolving disagreements and addressing concerns affecting petroleum dealers.
The association intends to pursue decisions through discussions rather than allowing unresolved issues to continue affecting the sector.
Malik Sher Khan Highlights Dealers’ Role
PPDA Vice Chairman Malik Sher Khan said the issues faced by petroleum dealers cannot be continuously ignored.
He pointed out that the petroleum dealership sector is connected with the businesses of thousands of entrepreneurs and provides employment to millions of people.
He stressed the importance of addressing the concerns of dealers in view of the sector’s wider economic and employment role.
Anwar Kamal Raises Concerns Over Rising Costs
PPDA Vice Chairman Anwar Kamal said petroleum dealers are playing an important role in Pakistan’s economy and energy sector.
However, he highlighted the difficulties being faced by dealers because of rising costs, various charges, imbalances in rents and other issues.
According to Anwar Kamal, these challenges are making it increasingly difficult for petroleum dealers to continue operating their businesses.
His remarks focused attention on the financial pressures affecting dealers and the need for practical measures to address their concerns.
PPDA Vows to Protect Dealers’ Legitimate Rights
Tariq Hassan said the PPDA would not compromise on the legitimate rights and interests of petroleum dealers.
He reiterated the association’s commitment to protecting the legitimate interests of dealers across Pakistan.
He also said practical measures would be taken to address dealers’ concerns through continuous consultation with oil marketing companies.
Malik Khuda Bakhsh Stresses Continued Dialogue
The statements made at the gathering reflected the PPDA leadership’s emphasis on consultation, negotiations and cooperation with government authorities and oil marketing companies.
Malik Khuda Bakhsh said the association would continue supporting positive government policies while seeking fulfillment of commitments made to petroleum dealers.
The PPDA leadership also emphasized the importance of protecting dealers’ legitimate interests, addressing rising business costs and maintaining an effective consultation process.
With petroleum dealers playing a significant role in the country’s energy sector and in the implementation of government initiatives such as the Fuel Relief Package, the association has called for continued dialogue to resolve industry issues and strengthen cooperation among all stakeholders.
