ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will formally announce a final roadmap for national austerity and savings today, Monday, following a high-level meeting held on Sunday to stabilize the Pakistani economy against international tensions.
Presiding over the session, the Prime Minister directed the federal cabinet, elected representatives at federal and provincial levels, and senior government officials to play their full role in providing relief to the public and ensuring the effective use of resources. The Prime Minister emphasized that in the current global climate, solid measures for economic stability are indispensable.
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Strategic Response to International Volatility
Economic and energy officials provided a detailed briefing on the potential impact of recent international tensions on Pakistan’s economy, specifically regarding energy supplies and price fluctuations in global markets. In response, the Prime Minister stated that the government is continuously monitoring the situation and will take all necessary decisions to protect the national economy and the interests of the public.
“Timely implementation of measures is essential for domestic economic stability,” Prime Minister Sharif noted. He clarified that while the government expects prudent use of national resources during this difficult period, the resulting stability will allow the government to provide maximum relief to the people once this phase passes.
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Directives for Simplicity and Resource Management
The Prime Minister issued strict direction for all government employees and ministers to adopt simplicity and austerity. He specifically emphasized that the elite and privileged classes of society must set an example by bearing the burden of necessary adjustments.
Key points from the directive include:
- Exemptions for Productivity: Austerity and savings instructions will not apply to the industrial or agricultural sectors to ensure that national production, exports, and food security remain unaffected.
- Energy Reserves: Officials confirmed that the country maintains adequate stocks of diesel, petrol, and other petroleum products. However, the government underscored the need for the wise management of energy and cautious fuel use to handle any emergency.
- Digital Monitoring: The Ministry of IT will facilitate a continuous monitoring system for supply and demand to ensure effective energy use and allow departments to make timely, data-driven decisions.
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Collaborative Administrative Readiness
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Planning and Development Minister Dr. Ahsan Iqbal, Power Minister Sardar Awais Leghari, and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik.
Also in attendance were Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Environment Minister Dr. Musadik Malik, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, and the Chief Secretaries of all four provinces. The Chief Secretaries updated the Prime Minister on regional economic activities, energy consumption, and administrative preparations in their respective provinces in light of global tensions.
