Islamabad, March 30 Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday directed that all possible measures be taken to ease the burden of rising prices on ordinary citizens amid the energy crisis caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
The President made the remarks while chairing an expanded consultative meeting on the economy, energy, and regional situation, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other leaders.
According to a statement, the meeting was briefed on the steps being taken by provincial governments to manage price pressures, ensure the availability of essential supplies, and mitigate the impact on the public, enabling a coordinated national response.
Zardari reiterated that "economically vulnerable people would not be left alone in this difficult time."
He directed that coordinated decision-making should be done, with alignment between economic management, energy planning, food security measures, and security preparedness.
He also called for the need for public awareness efforts, focusing on reducing fuel consumption, encouraging the use of public transportation, and promoting shared mobility practices as part of a broader demand management approach.
The meeting also reviewed the broader regional situation and its potential effects on Pakistan's security environment, economic outlook, and food security.
The participants were "assured that despite the global crisis, timely decisions have ensured no disruption to fuel supply, and that adequate fuel stocks are currently available to meet the country's needs, with arrangements for the future also underway".
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar informed the meeting about the government's diplomatic outreach, including his recent engagements with the leadership of Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, as well as leaders of countries involved in the conflict. He also briefed the meeting on his upcoming visit to Beijing.
The meeting was informed that the prime minister repeatedly rejected proposals to increase oil prices, and that funds saved through austerity measures were being channeled towards public relief.
It was noted that the government was cutting its own expenditure, including cuts to the development budget and the immediate grounding of 60 per cent of official vehicles, as part of the austerity measures.