Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the implementation of fuel conservation and austerity measures in light of the rapidly deteriorating regional situation, particularly in the Middle East.
During the meeting, officials briefed participants on the country’s current petroleum reserves, consumption patterns, and incoming cargoes. It was conveyed that Pakistan currently has sufficient stocks of petroleum products to meet domestic demand, with additional supplies being arranged to ensure continuity.
However, authorities warned that the unstable regional environment could significantly impact fuel supply chains in the coming days, necessitating stricter conservation measures. The prime minister directed that a comprehensive action plan be developed in coordination with provincial governments to effectively tackle any potential emergency.
Highlighting the importance of prudent resource management, the prime minister said that timely decisions and practical steps would help safeguard fuel reserves and provide relief to the public. He noted that the government’s ongoing austerity drive has already yielded positive results.
Officials further informed the meeting that implementation of the prime minister’s directives is being closely monitored, with the Intelligence Bureau overseeing compliance to prevent irregularities.
Calling for collective responsibility, the premier urged the country’s elite to lead by example by adopting a spirit of sacrifice and promoting fuel-saving practices. The government also appealed to the general public to conserve petrol and diesel to minimize the risk of shortages.
As part of the measures, citizens were advised to adopt carpooling, limit unnecessary travel, and reduce fuel consumption wherever possible. The prime minister stressed that all relevant institutions must remain prepared to implement emergency measures until the situation stabilizes.
Officials assured the meeting that the situation is being continuously monitored, with detailed records of petroleum stocks being maintained to promptly identify and address any discrepancies.
The meeting was attended by senior civil and military leadership, including Chief of Army Staff Syed Asim Munir, National Security Advisor Muhammad Asim Malik, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and other key federal ministers and senior officials.
