ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday defended the government’s decision to slash expenditures and reduce the development budget, saying the measures were necessary to create fiscal space for public relief amid ongoing regional tensions impacting petroleum markets.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on the fallout of the Gulf crisis, fuel reserves, and relief initiatives, the prime minister revealed that government spending had been curtailed, the development budget trimmed, and 60% of official vehicles ordered to be immediately decommissioned.
He emphasized that proposals to increase fuel prices had been consistently rejected, with the resulting savings redirected toward supporting low- and middle-income groups.
“We are striving to provide additional relief to the weaker and middle-income segments of society,” he said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protect vulnerable citizens during economic strain.
Highlighting austerity efforts, the premier noted that the “process of sacrifice” had already begun within the government through strict expenditure controls. He also underscored the role of digital systems in ensuring that relief measures are delivered efficiently and transparently to the public.
Despite global disruptions, the prime minister expressed satisfaction that Pakistan has so far avoided any major fuel supply shortages due to timely policy decisions.
On the diplomatic front, he reiterated that Pakistan is actively pursuing measures to promote regional stability and de-escalation.
During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that coordination with provincial governments is ongoing to expedite ownership registration of motorcycles and rickshaws—an initiative aimed at enabling eligible citizens to benefit from targeted relief programs.
The government’s approach reflects a balancing act between fiscal discipline and social protection as it navigates the economic challenges arising from the evolving geopolitical situation.
Story by Zulfiqar Ahmad
