Pakistan, June 17 -- The government has decided not to increase the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) despite rising oil prices caused by tensions in the Middle East. Instead, the extra cost will be passed directly to consumers.

This announcement came from the Finance Secretary during a briefing to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, chaired by Naveed Qamar. The government aims to collect Rs1.486 trillion from the PDL in the fiscal year 2025-26.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb supported the decision, stressing that the government acted quickly to address the issue. "We are not waiting for a decision to be made. We did this yesterday," he said, showing a firm approach.

Rising global oil prices are linked ...