Islamabad (Web Desk): President Asif Ali Zardari has instructed relevant authorities to take every possible step to ease the impact of rising prices on ordinary citizens, particularly regarding essential goods and services.
He issued these directives while presiding over an expanded consultative meeting in Islamabad, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, leaders of the four provinces, and representatives from Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
During the meeting, the President stressed the need for immediate action in light of pressures on oil and gas supplies, increasing energy costs, and the changing regional situation. He emphasized that economically vulnerable segments of society would not be left without support during these challenging times.
President Zardari called for coordinated decision-making among relevant institutions, ensuring close alignment between economic management, energy planning, food security strategies, and national security preparedness.
Asif Ali Zardari also highlighted the importance of public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing fuel consumption, encouraging greater use of public transport, and promoting shared mobility to manage energy demand more effectively.
Officials briefed the meeting on measures taken by the provincial governments, as well as the administrations of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, to control price pressures, maintain the supply of essential commodities, and reduce the impact on the public through a coordinated national approach.
Participants also reviewed the wider regional developments and discussed their possible implications for Pakistan’s security situation, economic stability, and food security.
The meeting was informed that despite global challenges, timely government decisions have ensured uninterrupted fuel supply, with sufficient reserves currently available and further arrangements being made for the future.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar briefed the participants on Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic engagements, including his recent contacts with the leadership of Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, as well as leaders of countries involved in the ongoing conflict. He also informed the meeting about his upcoming visit to China.
The meeting was further told that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has repeatedly declined proposals to increase oil prices. Instead, savings generated through austerity measures are being redirected towards public relief.
As part of these cost-cutting efforts, the government has reduced its own spending, including cuts to the development budget and the immediate grounding of 60 percent of official vehicles.
Several senior federal ministers, provincial chief ministers, and top government officials also attended the meeting.