Directs authorities to prepare a comprehensive contingency plan to tackle any potential challenges
Islamabad (MNN):
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to review the potential impact of escalating regional tensions on Pakistan’s economy and to assess measures related to austerity and fiscal discipline. A report on the government’s austerity initiatives was presented during the meeting.
Addressing the participants, the Prime Minister said that the worsening regional security situation could have adverse effects on Pakistan’s economy in the future. He noted that uncertainty continues to prevail in the region and directed all relevant authorities to remain fully prepared for any possible challenges by developing a comprehensive contingency plan.
The Prime Minister said that, by the grace of Allah, Pakistan’s economy is currently stable. However, he stressed that prudent planning and timely precautionary measures are essential to safeguard the economy against any potential external shocks arising from the evolving regional situation.
Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the public’s cooperation during the government’s previous austerity and energy conservation campaign, thanking citizens for their responsible participation. He emphasized that a culture of austerity and efficient use of resources should be adopted at the national level.
The meeting was informed that the country has sufficient petroleum reserves and that arrangements have been made to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies in line with future requirements. The Prime Minister said the government’s timely and effective strategy had successfully maintained fuel availability across the country.
He further stated that government subsidies helped protect the general public, motorcyclists, rickshaw drivers, and transporters from the full impact of rising fuel prices.
The Prime Minister also directed provincial governments to work closely with federal authorities to take strict action against those creating an artificial shortage of petroleum products, ensuring that the public does not face unnecessary hardship.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Owais Khan Leghari, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Tariq Bajwa, State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad, and other senior government officials, who reviewed various measures aimed at protecting the national economy amid the evolving regional situation.
