ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said the government expenditures have been cut, the development budget reduced and 60 percent of official vehicles immediately decommissioned, pledging additional relief for the weaker and middle-income segments of society.
Chairing a review meeting on the impact of the Gulf crisis on petroleum products, Pakistan’s current reserves, and public relief measures, the prime minister stated that proposals to raise oil prices had been repeatedly rejected, with the funds saved being redirected to public relief.
“We are striving to provide additional relief to the weaker and middle-income segments of society,” he said, adding, “In this time of difficulty, we will not leave economically vulnerable people to fend for themselves.”
He noted that the process of sacrifice has already begun through cuts in government spending.
“By utilising the digital system, public relief measures will reach the common man,” he added.
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Despite the global crisis, he said timely decisions had ensured, “by the grace of God,” that there had been no disruption in fuel supply.
On regional peace efforts, the prime minister said Pakistan is pursuing strong diplomatic measures to bring stability to the region.
In a briefing to the prime minister, officials said coordination with provincial governments is under way to ensure the timely completion of ownership registration for motorcycles and rickshaws, allowing beneficiaries to access potential relief measures.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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