Pakistan highly condemns attacks on Iran: PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, has stated that Pakistan highly condemns Israel’s attacks on Iran.

In an address to the nation, the PM has stated the country is currently in a war zone following the tensions with Afghanistan, and in middle-east.

He further added that Pakistani authorities are trying their best to facilitate their citizens.

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan expresses deep sorrow over the martyrdom of Iranian Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and his family, and strongly condemns the Israeli attacks on Iran.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that he condemns the attacks on Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and other countries.

The Prime Minister said that the attacks on the Gulf countries pose serious threats to the peace of the region. Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder with these countries in this hour of trial. Pakistan considers the security of these countries as part of its own security.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in his address that the price of crude oil in the global market has increased from 60 to 100 dollars; our economy depends on oil and gas coming from the Gulf.

The Prime Minister said that, considering the current global situation, Pakistan has taken difficult decisions, determining the prices of oil and gas in the global market is not in Pakistan’s control, and the government has taken difficult decisions to reduce the energy crisis.

He said that the price of crude oil in the global market has exceeded $100, and if the situation remains as bad as it was, prices could increase further.

Salute to Armed Forces

Shahbaz Sharif added that under the leadership of the COAS General Syed Asim Munir, the armed forces are performing the sacred duty of ensuring the security and sovereignty of the beloved homeland.

I salute them for discharging their duties for the safety of the homeland.

PM Shehbaz Announces Austerity Measures

Shahbaz Sharif further said that the government is making every effort to keep the economy stable despite difficult circumstances. The increase in oil prices was done with difficulty and a heavy heart. The mind said that there was no option but to increase the price of oil, but the heart said that the increase in oil prices should not increase the burden on the poor people.

He said that the fuel supply to all government vehicles will be reduced by 50 percent for the next 2 months. However, the fuel shortage will not be for operational vehicles like government buses, ambulances, and motorbikes.

The PM added that a 20% voluntary cut in the salaries and allowances of all members of the national and provincial assemblies for 2 months.

Two days’ salary will be deducted for government officials in grade 20 and above with a salary of more than Rs 300,000 in all federal and provincial departments.

25 percent of the salary of the members of the parliament will also be deducted, PM Shehbaz Sharif added.

A complete ban has been imposed on the purchase of goods in government departments. The Prime Minister announced that A complete ban has been imposed on the purchase of goods in government departments.

A ban has been imposed on foreign visits by government officers, advisors, and federal and provincial ministers, while governors will also be banned from foreign visits.

According to the Prime Minister, teleconferences and online meetings will be preferred, official dinners and iftar parties will also be completely banned, and seminars and conferences will be held at government venues instead of hotels to reduce government expenses.

Two-Weeks Holiday announced across the country

In a move to manage the fuel crisis and the overall law and order situation, the Prime Minister of Pakistan has announced two-weeks holidays in all educational institutions across the country.