ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has pushed up global oil prices, and the impact is also being felt in Pakistan. He said the government increased fuel prices with a heavy heart.
Addressing the nation, the prime minister said the government would make every effort to place the least possible burden on the public. He noted that the price of crude oil in the global market has exceeded $100 per barrel and warned that prices could rise further if the situation continues to worsen.
Shehbaz Sharif said oil prices may increase further in the coming days. He added that the government is trying to ensure that the additional burden does not fall on the people. Efforts are underway to protect citizens from the full impact of rising prices, he said.
Shehbaz Sharif said that ministers of the federal cabinet have decided to deposit two months’ salaries into the national treasury as part of an austerity measure.
The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by the prime minister, where various proposals related to austerity measures were reviewed.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that oil prices are likely to rise further in the coming days. However, the government is making efforts to ensure that the burden does not fall on the public.
He added that during difficult times, wealthy citizens step forward to help those in need. Now it is time for the elite to play their role as a responsible and conscientious segment of society.
The prime minister announced that key decisions were taken in today’s federal cabinet meeting. Government vehicles will see a 50 percent reduction in fuel use, though ambulances and public service vehicles are exempt. All government department vehicles will be grounded for the next two months.
Cabinet members, federal ministers, advisers, and special assistants will forego their salaries for the next two months. Parliamentary members’ salaries will be reduced by 25 percent. Officers in grade 20 and above earning over PKR 300,000 will have two days’ salary deducted, which will be allocated for public relief.
The prime minister said all government departments will cut 20 percent of non-salary expenditures, and purchases of vehicles, furniture, air conditioners, and other non-essential items are banned.
Overseas travel by federal and provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants, and government officials is suspended, except for trips deemed essential for national interest. Online meetings will be prioritized to save fuel.
Official dinners and iftar parties are banned, and seminars and conferences will be held at government venues rather than hotels to reduce expenses.
The prime minister said important decisions were also made for fuel and energy conservation in both public and private sectors. Essential services will remain operational, while 50 percent of staff will work from home, and offices will open four days a week. These measures do not apply to banks, industries, or agriculture.
All schools will close for two weeks starting this weekend, while higher education institutions will switch to online classes.
The prime minister warned hoarders not to exploit the situation, saying strict legal action will be taken if necessary. All provincial governments have been instructed to enforce these measures.
He concluded by stressing that the world faces new challenges, power balances are shifting, and new alliances are forming. At this critical stage, Pakistan urgently needs unity, brotherhood, national solidarity, and a sense of responsibility.
This is a developing story….
