Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the preparation of a plan with provincial governments to ensure the supply of petroleum products in view of the crisis in the Middle East.
A meeting chaired by the prime minister reviewed the country’s economic situation in the global context. Participants received a detailed briefing on the economic impact of recent international tensions on the region.
The prime minister directed the committee concerned to prepare a strategy based on austerity and savings and sought workable proposals within 48 hours.
He made clear that the burden on the public must remain at the minimum and that relief should receive top priority.
The meeting formed part of efforts to protect the people of Pakistan from the adverse economic effects of the current global tensions.
Sharif sought practical proposals within two days for the next course of action. He directed that public relief must receive the first priority while steps should ensure that the financial burden on citizens remains as low as possible.
The prime minister instructed the federal ministers for finance and petroleum to visit the provinces and prepare a plan with provincial governments for conservation of petroleum products and their uninterrupted supply to the public.
He said any petrol pump or company involved in creating an artificial shortage or hoarding should face closure. He ordered that the licence of such a petroleum company be cancelled immediately and legal action initiated.
The meeting received information that the committee set up to review the economic effects of the recent tensions continues to monitor the national situation.
It was stated that, due to the committee’s efforts, no shortage of petroleum products has occurred in the country. The recent increase in petrol and diesel prices also followed the committee’s recommendation, while the rise in global market prices was transferred to consumers with the least possible burden.
