ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday directed authorities to take all possible steps to ease the burden of rising prices on citizens, particularly amid mounting oil and gas supply pressures, escalating energy costs, and an evolving regional situation.
Chairing a high-level consultative meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the president stressed the need to protect low-income groups from inflation in essential goods and services. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with chief ministers of all provinces, representatives from Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and senior federal officials.
Participants were briefed on measures being taken across provinces to manage price pressures, ensure availability of essential commodities, and mitigate the economic impact on the public through a coordinated national response.
The meeting also reviewed the broader regional environment and its potential implications for Pakistan’s security, economic outlook, and food supply. Officials assured that despite global disruptions, timely decisions have prevented any fuel shortages, with adequate stocks currently available and future supply arrangements in place.
Ishaq Dar informed the forum about Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic outreach, including engagements with leadership in Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, as well as upcoming talks in Beijing aimed at stabilising the regional situation.
It was noted that proposals to increase fuel prices had been repeatedly rejected, with savings from austerity measures redirected toward public relief. The government has already initiated spending cuts, including reductions in the development budget and the immediate decommissioning of 60% of official vehicles.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, President Zardari said economically vulnerable citizens would not be left unsupported during the crisis. He called for closer coordination between economic management, energy planning, food security, and national security frameworks.
The president also emphasised the importance of public awareness campaigns to reduce fuel consumption, promote public transport usage, and encourage shared mobility as part of broader demand management efforts.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on adopting a unified and proactive strategy to shield citizens from inflationary pressures while maintaining economic and energy stability.
Story by Naveed Butt
