As petrol prices in Pakistan have skyrocketed due to the global oil crisis, different people are giving different solutions. One suggestion that caught the attention of many on social media came from politician Leyla Zuberi, who encouraged people to take out their bicycles and start cycling instead of worrying about expensive petrol.
Her statement, “Aap log bhi apni cycle nikaal lein” (Take out your own bicycles), was meant to highlight the benefits of cycling as fuel prices make daily commuting extremely difficult for ordinary Pakistanis.
While some people appreciated her message as a practical and healthy suggestion, others criticized it for being out of touch with the reality of common people who live far from their workplaces and cannot simply switch to cycling.
Cycling does have real benefits. It costs nothing in fuel, keeps a person healthy, reduces traffic on roads, and is good for the environment. Many countries around the world actively promote cycling as a solution to both fuel costs and pollution.
However, in Pakistan’s current situation, where roads are not always safe or cycle-friendly, and distances are long, cycling is not always a practical option for everyone.
The statement sparked a debate online about whether leaders truly understand the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens. Many felt that while the advice was well-meaning, it showed a gap between the lifestyle of politicians and the daily struggles of the common man.
