Islamabad,(Parliament Times):
Shehbaz Sharif on Friday decided to keep petroleum product prices unchanged, honouring his commitment to protect the public from additional financial pressure despite an increase in global oil prices.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the decision was taken to minimise the burden on citizens and provide relief during difficult economic conditions. The government, the statement said, remains determined to extend maximum support to the people.
The prime minister noted that ongoing regional tensions were exerting pressure on the global economy, which could potentially impact Pakistan’s economic stability. He said the government was responding to the evolving situation through timely policy decisions, prudent financial management and austerity measures.
“As a servant of Pakistan, I am determined to begin reducing the burden on the poor by first cutting expenses of the country’s elite and the government itself during these challenging times,” he said.
He added that provincial governments were fully backing the federal government’s austerity drive, calling their cooperation a positive and encouraging development.
The premier further stated that, due to the efforts of Pakistan’s diplomatic and economic teams, adequate supplies of crude oil had been secured to meet the country’s requirements.
He assured that both federal and provincial authorities were working together to ensure strict implementation of government-notified fuel prices and to prevent overcharging.
Expressing optimism, the prime minister said he hoped global conditions would improve soon and international petroleum prices would stabilise.