In a significant economic move, the Pakistani government has announced a historic increase in petrol prices, raising it by PKR 136 to a staggering PKR 458 per litre. This change is largely attributed to the relentless pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the depletion of the country's foreign exchange reserves, forcing Islamabad to eliminate fuel subsidies. Diesel prices are also projected to reach PKR 520 per litre, threatening the logistics sector and raising costs for essential goods. Analysts warn that this price hike will lead to a catastrophic inflation shock, affecting the supply chain and increasing transport costs for agricultural products. As a result, the prices of staples like flour, milk, and vegetables are expected to rise sharply. The government's attempt to implement a targeted subsidy model aims to protect the lowest-income segments but leaves the middle class vulnerable to the economic fallout. With fears of civil unrest growing, major urban centers like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad may witness spontaneous protests as the impact of these price hikes becomes evident.