President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday directed the authorities to take all possible measures to reduce the burden of rising prices on the common man, as Pakistan faces mounting oil and gas supply pressures and escalating energy costs.
The directive came during an expanded consultative meeting chaired by President Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr, which was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, provincial leadership and senior federal officials. The meeting focused on tackling inflation, ensuring the availability of essential goods, and coordinating a unified national response to economic challenges.
Participants were briefed on steps being taken across provinces, as well as in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, to manage price pressures and maintain steady supplies of essential commodities. Officials emphasized that despite the ongoing global crisis, Pakistan currently has sufficient fuel reserves, with no immediate disruption expected.
The meeting also reviewed the evolving regional situation and its potential impact on Pakistan’s economy, security, and food stability. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar informed participants about ongoing diplomatic engagements with key countries including Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, as well as his upcoming visit to Beijing.
It was highlighted that proposals to increase oil prices had been repeatedly rejected by the Prime Minister, with savings from austerity measures being redirected toward public relief. The government has also initiated significant spending cuts, including reductions in development expenditures and grounding 60 percent of official vehicles.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, President Zardari stressed that vulnerable segments of society would not be left alone during this challenging period. He called for coordinated decision-making across economic management, energy planning, and food security sectors.
The President also underscored the importance of public awareness campaigns, urging citizens to conserve fuel, use public transport, and adopt shared mobility practices as part of efforts to manage energy demand.