ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday issued a stern warning against hoarding petroleum products, calling it an “unforgivable” act and vowing strict legal action against those involved. He stressed that, amid the current regional situation, the nation must collectively adopt fuel conservation and austerity measures to ensure economic stability.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on petroleum conservation, energy efficiency, and austerity, the prime minister underscored the importance of responsible fuel usage, noting that a significant portion of Pakistan’s electricity generation relies on petroleum products. He said that conserving energy and reducing unnecessary consumption would help safeguard foreign exchange reserves and maintain uninterrupted power supply across the country.
According to a press release issued by the PM Office Media Wing, the meeting reviewed ongoing measures being implemented nationwide. Officials briefed the prime minister that markets and shopping malls across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad are being closed at 8:00 pm as part of austerity efforts. Consultations with the Sindh government are also underway to ensure uniform implementation of the policy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that such measures are essential not only to address energy shortages but also to strengthen Pakistan’s economic outlook in light of rising regional tensions. He reiterated that all stakeholders, including provincial governments and law enforcement agencies, must ensure strict enforcement of the directives.
The meeting was attended by key federal ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Ahsan Iqbal, Abdul Aleem Khan, Dr Musadik Malik, Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and Awais Ahmed Leghari, along with senior officials, advisers, the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, and representatives from all provinces and regions.
Officials also informed the prime minister that provincial governments are compiling data of individuals eligible for fuel subsidies. After verification, subsidies will be distributed through a transparent digital system. Additionally, from April 4, subsidies for transport vehicles such as trucks and buses have been implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of IT and the State Bank of Pakistan.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring energy efficiency, economic stability, and strict action against illegal fuel practices.