PM orders urgent economic plan amid global tensions

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to review the country’s economic situation in light of the recent global crisis and rising regional tensions.

Officials briefed the meeting on the economic impact of global developments on the region and Pakistan’s economy. The prime minister directed the committee concerned to formulate a comprehensive action plan focused on economic stability, austerity, and savings.

Sharif instructed the committee to present practical and workable proposals within 48 hours, stressing that the plan should minimize the burden on the public while prioritizing relief measures for citizens.

The prime minister was informed that a special committee had been working since last week to assess the global economic impact of ongoing tensions and prepare recommendations. According to the briefing, the government has taken steps to ensure that there is no shortage of petroleum products in the country.

Officials also said that petroleum prices were increased recently on the committee’s recommendation, with efforts made to pass on the minimum possible burden of global price hikes to consumers.

Sharif issued strict instructions that any petrol pump or company found creating artificial shortages or hoarding fuel would face immediate closure, cancellation of licenses and legal action.

The prime minister also directed Muhammad Aurangzeb and Ali Pervaiz Malik to visit all four provinces and coordinate with provincial governments to prepare a strategy for conserving petroleum products and ensuring an uninterrupted fuel supply.