Islamabad – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting to assess the implementation of fuel conservation and austerity measures in light of the rapidly escalating situation in the Middle East.
Officials briefed the meeting on Pakistan’s current petroleum reserves, consumption patterns, and incoming cargoes. It was highlighted that the country currently has sufficient fuel stocks to meet demand, with additional supplies being arranged.
The meeting was informed that timely decisions and directives from the Prime Minister have enabled effective planning for maintaining fuel reserves. However, given the uncertain regional situation that could disrupt supply chains, authorities stressed the need for additional conservation measures in the coming days.
Participants reviewed progress on ongoing austerity initiatives, while the Prime Minister directed the formulation of a comprehensive emergency response plan in coordination with provincial governments.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that adopting austerity policies could help provide relief to citizens and urged all relevant departments to remain prepared for emergency measures until conditions stabilize.
The meeting was also told that directives issued by the Prime Minister are being strictly implemented, with the Intelligence Bureau monitoring developments closely.
Participants called on affluent segments of society to lead by example by adopting a culture of conservation and sacrifice. The government also appealed to the public to reduce petrol and diesel consumption to minimize the risk of supply disruptions.
Citizens were encouraged to adopt practices such as carpooling, limiting unnecessary travel, and sharing transportation to conserve fuel.
Officials further stated that the situation is being continuously monitored, with strict oversight of petroleum stocks to detect any irregularities and ensure timely corrective measures.
Army Chief and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, National Security Advisor, Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Khan Cheema, Law Minister, Azam Nazir Tarar, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Climate Change, Dr. Musadik Malik, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecom, Shaza Fatima, Minister of State for Finance and Railways, Bilal Azhar Kayani and relevant senior government officials attended the meeting.