KARACHI/ISLAMABAD/LAHORE, Nov 01 (INP): Former president Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday termed the recent increase, up to Rs2.5 per litre in prices of petroleum products as ‘cruel move’ by the incumbent government. Asif Ali Zardari said that the government is creating difficulties for the people instead of providing them relief. The price hike will cause more inflation in the country, therefore, this decision should be withdrawn, he demanded. Co-chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) further declared government’s policies regarding economy as enemy of poverty-stricken people. PTI vice chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi has also criticised the increase and said the party would raise the issue in the assembly. The latest increase in petroleum fuel prices has been challenged in the Lahore High Court. The petition filed by Azhar Siddiq advocate argues that the government is collecting additional tax on petroleum and products. The retail prices of petroleum products has been increased way above the increase in the fuels prices in the international market, petitioner says. INP/AH/LK