PM Shehbaz orders preparedness amid economic risks from regional tensions
- Reviews economic fallout of regional crisis
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to prepare for potential economic challenges from regional uncertainty, while affirming current economic stability and successful fuel supply management.
- Prime Minister's directive for economic contingency planning.
- Government's strategy for fuel supply and targeted subsidies.
- Action against artificial petroleum product shortages.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed authorities to remain fully prepared to tackle any potential economic challenges arising from the uncertain regional situation, while reviewing the impact of regional tensions on Pakistan’s economy.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister was presented with a report on austerity and energy conservation measures, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Shehbaz noted that uncertainty continued to persist in the region and instructed relevant authorities to formulate a comprehensive contingency plan to ensure timely action if needed.
“The national economy is currently stable by the grace of Allah, but preparations must be in place to address any emerging challenges,” the premier said.
The prime minister appreciated the public’s cooperation in previous austerity and energy-saving campaigns, particularly efforts aimed at conserving petroleum products and energy.
“The government’s timely and effective strategy had ensured smooth fuel supplies across the country despite regional uncertainties,” he said.
Shehbaz further stated that the government had protected ordinary citizens, including motorcyclists, rickshaw drivers and transporters, from the adverse effects of rising fuel prices through targeted subsidies.
He directed federal and provincial authorities to take strict action against elements involved in creating an artificial shortage of petroleum products.
During the meeting, officials informed the prime minister that Pakistan currently possessed sufficient petroleum reserves to meet domestic requirements and that arrangements had been made to ensure uninterrupted supplies in the future.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ahad Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ali Pervaiz Malik and Awais Leghari, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Bajwa, State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad and other senior officials.
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