US-Iran war: PM Shehbaz calls for joint strategy to provide relief amid global oil crisis 

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday stressed the urgent need for a coordinated approach to safeguard the ordinary citizens, along with the agriculture and transport sectors, from the fallout of the ongoing regional conflict.

He made these remarks while presiding over a high-level meeting in Islamabad to review the evolving situation.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, federal cabinet members, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the chief ministers of all four provinces and Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

PM Shehbaz said that the conflict has now entered its second month and highlighted Pakistan’s active efforts to de-escalate tensions.

He pointed out the pivotal roles of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in fostering regional stability and peace.

The prime minister warned that the war carries serious economic implications for Pakistan.

While he acknowledged that the economy had regained stability through persistent and determined measures and that the nation was on a trajectory toward growth, PM Shehbaz cautioned that the ongoing turmoil presents significant challenges.

He noted that he and his team had been in close contact with provincial chief ministers to keep them updated on developments.

“In the first week, the federal government restricted petroleum price adjustments to only Rs55 for the public and provided relief totaling Rs129 billion by redirecting Rs100 billion from development funds,” PM Shehbaz added.

The prime minister also emphasized the implementation of austerity measures aimed at easing the burden on ordinary citizens.

He commended the efforts of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and expressed appreciation to all stakeholders, including the chief ministers, for their collaboration in successfully executing these measures.

PM Shehbaz underscored the importance of united action to protect the most vulnerable segments of society, stressing that austerity and conservation initiatives must be carried out fully and sincerely.