The meeting also examined proposals to provide relief to low-income segments of society facing economic pressures.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Photo: Archive
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday ordered authorities to take strict measures against smuggling and illegal hoarding of petroleum products, citing the evolving regional situation.
The development came a day after President Asif Zardari and the prime minister assured in a high-level meeting that adequate fuel reserves were available to meet the country’s needs, and that future deals were also underway.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz chaired a high-level meeting to review the oil supply chain, conservation measures and steps aimed at ensuring efficiency in the current situation.
The meeting also examined proposals to provide relief to low-income segments of society facing economic pressures. The prime minister directed relevant ministries to finalize the recommendations in consultation with provincial governments and submit them for approval.
Stressing on strict enforcement, the prime minister instructed authorities to act firmly against those involved in smuggling and illegal storage of petroleum products, warning that no leniency would be shown in maintaining market stability.
He noted that over the past three weeks, the federal government had taken significant steps to support vulnerable segments and reiterated that efforts would continue to prioritize aid to the disadvantaged.
The government has provided aid worth Rs 129 billion to the people by reducing development spending and implementing austerity and savings measures to avoid a rise in fuel prices, the prime minister said at the meeting.
Expressing satisfaction over the availability of fuel, Shehbaz said timely decisions by the federal government had ensured sufficient oil reserves to meet national needs. “Providing help to the public remains our top priority,” he added.
The meeting was briefed on progress in implementing austerity measures. Officials informed participants that the demand and supply of petroleum products, as well as the entire supply chain, were being monitored regularly through a digital dashboard to ensure transparency and efficiency.
Among those present at the meeting were Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Energy Minister Awais Khan Leghari.
