Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed the formulation of a strategy to shield the agriculture and transport sectors, as well as the general public, from the negative effects of regional instability. Addressing a meeting attended by both federal and provincial leadership in Islamabad, he emphasized the need for austerity, safeguarding vulnerable populations, supporting agriculture, and fostering national unity to maintain economic stability and growth.
According to Radio Pakistan, Prime Minister Sharif highlighted Pakistan's efforts to facilitate a ceasefire in the region and alleviate tensions through diplomatic efforts spearheaded by Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar and military leadership, including Field Marshal Asim Munir. He expressed optimism that Islamabad's ongoing peace-promoting initiatives would soon lead to regional stability.
The Prime Minister also mentioned that the government has mitigated a significant portion of the fuel price impact by reducing the petroleum development levy and equalizing diesel and petrol prices through a 55 rupees adjustment. He stressed the importance of national political consensus in addressing the evolving situation, commending the constructive contributions of political leaders such as Chairman PPPP, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and acknowledging the supportive consultations held at the Presidency with the participation of provincial leadership.
Additionally, Shehbaz Sharif instructed authorities to give priority to funding for the agriculture, public transport, and goods transport sectors to control inflation and ensure continuous economic activity. He emphasized the urgency of the harvesting season, urging that farmers must have sufficient diesel supplies to maintain crop production and support a swift economic recovery.
The Prime Minister also called on federal and provincial governments to delay non-essential development projects and reallocate savings towards relief measures for the impoverished and stabilization initiatives.