Economic pressures and POL items’ prices: President directs swift action on public relief measures

LARKANA: President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday directed the government to prioritise public relief, minimise the burden of petroleum prices and ease economic pressure on citizens during a high-level meeting at Bhutto House.

The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, along with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Faryal Talpur and Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah.

According to officials, the participants reviewed the overall law and order situation, the country’s economic outlook, and developments in the energy sector, including petroleum product pricing.

Also read: Pakistan govt hikes petrol, diesel prices by massive Rs55 per litre each

The interior minister briefed the president on ongoing counterterrorism operations and border security. The meeting also discussed tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as well as a detailed overview of broader regional security challenges.

The finance and petroleum ministers apprised the president of key economic indicators, the state of the energy sector and steps being taken by the government regarding prices of petroleum products.

The president emphasised that economic policies must focus on providing relief to the public, directing authorities to ensure that rising fuel costs do not disproportionately impact the common man.