Stable fuel supply, adequate reserves and coordinated strategy to address economic pressures
ISLAMABAD:
A high-level consultative session at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Monday decided not to impose a nationwide smart lockdown, following global disruptions in fuel supplies caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East.
A series of high-level meetings were held on Monday outlining the federal government’s comprehensive strategies to protect citizens from growing economic pressures, ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies and address regional security concerns amid growing global uncertainty.
One such meeting was chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari and attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, key federal ministers, the four provincial chief ministers and the leaders of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir and others.
The meeting focused on the national economy, energy security and the changing regional situation, and participants reviewed current challenges and formulated coordinated responses. Sources indicated that the proposal for a nationwide smart lockdown was also discussed.
Sources further said that the provincial administrations opposed the proposal, following which the federal government decided not to implement such restrictions. They added that the president ordered authorities to accelerate measures to provide relief to the public.
According to a handout from the President’s office, the meeting was briefed on rising energy prices, pressure on oil and gas supplies and ongoing regional developments. Zardari emphasized that no economically vulnerable segment will be left without support in difficult times.
The provinces reported active measures to control inflation, secure basic products and minimize the difficulties of citizens. Participants agreed that a nationally coordinated strategy would ensure greater effectiveness and institutional alignment among government departments.
Earlier, the President held a separate meeting with the Prime Minister, which was attended by the National Security Advisor (NSA) and key ministers. They highlighted the need to manage domestic economic pressures while pursuing diplomatic efforts to maintain regional stability.
President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held detailed talks on the country’s political, economic and security situation and agreed on a comprehensive and coordinated approach to address the current challenges, according to an official handout.
Participants were informed that despite global and regional pressures, Pakistan’s fuel supply has remained uninterrupted, reserves are adequate and preparations are being made for possible contingencies.
Zardari emphasized that all possible measures must be taken to reduce the impact of price increases on essential goods and services, while maximizing relief for citizens. He also called for public awareness campaigns that promote fuel conservation and greater use of public transportation.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz chaired a session to assess oil availability, domestic reserves and public relief initiatives. Officials confirmed that timely government interventions had prevented any disruption to fuel supplies despite the volatility caused by the Gulf crisis.
Detailed briefings covered conservation measures, future planning and current stock levels, with authorities confirming adequate reserves to meet immediate and future national requirements.
Coordination with provincial governments to accelerate the registration of ownership of motorcycles and rickshaws was also highlighted, which will allow a broader segment of transport users to benefit from targeted assistance programs.
The prime minister underlined the importance of austerity in his ‘Savings and Simplicity’ campaign, citing spending cuts, reductions in the development budget and the shutdown of 60% of official vehicles as measures to reallocate savings towards public welfare.
Participants were informed that proposals to increase fuel prices had been repeatedly rejected and the resulting savings had been redirected to cushion the impact of global energy costs on ordinary citizens.
An Intelligence Bureau audit report confirmed compliance with the austerity and fuel saving measures, with officials stating that strict implementation was maintained across all relevant departments.
Officials also reported at the meeting that taxes on high-octane fuel for luxury vehicles had been raised, but that jet fuel prices were left unchanged to avoid additional pressure on aviation and critical sectors. It was also confirmed that there were sufficient stocks of essential medicines.
On the diplomatic front, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar briefed participants on Pakistan’s active international engagement, including recent contacts with Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and updated them on his upcoming visit to Beijing.
Following the meetings, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Suhail Afridi reiterated that no decision had been taken to impose a smart lockdown due to different opinions among the provinces. He highlighted Pakistan’s role in promoting peace, noting that the Muslim world looks to the country during crises, and stated that Pakistan would not participate in any war.
(WITH INPUT FROM THE APP)
