President Zardari, PM Shehbaz assure adequate fuel stocks currently available to meet country’s needs

ISLAMABAD:

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a high-level meeting on Monday to review fuel supply amid the global crisis, assuring participants that adequate fuel stocks were available to meet the country’s needs, with arrangements for the future also underway.

According to a statement issued by the President’s House today, President Zardari directed that, amid oil and gas supply pressures, escalating energy costs, and the evolving regional environment, all possible measures should be taken to ease the burden of rising prices on the common man, especially for essential goods and services.

The statement further stated that the leadership of all provinces, as well as Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K), participated in the consultative meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

“The president reiterated that the economically vulnerable would not be left alone in this difficult time, directing that coordinated decision-making should be undertaken, with alignment between economic management, energy planning, food security measures, and security preparedness,” it added.

The statement also mentioned that the president emphasised the need for public awareness efforts, focusing on reducing fuel consumption, encouraging the use of public transportation, and promoting shared mobility practices as part of a broader demand management approach.

According to the presidency, the meeting’s members were informed that proposals to increase oil prices had repeatedly been rejected by the prime minister, and that funds saved through austerity measures were being channelled towards public relief.

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“It was noted that the spirit of austerity had begun with the government cutting its own expenditure, including cuts to the development budget and the immediate grounding of 60% of official vehicles,” it said.

It stated that the meeting’s members were briefed on the steps being taken by the governments of the four provinces, as well as G-B and AJK, to manage price pressures, ensure the availability of essential supplies, and mitigate the impact on the public, thereby enabling a coordinated national response.

“The meeting also reviewed the broader regional situation and its potential effects on Pakistan’s security environment, economic outlook, and food security,” the statement added.

According to the statement, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar informed the meeting about the government’s proactive diplomatic outreach, including his recent engagements with the leadership of Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, as well as leaders of countries involved in the conflict. He also briefed the meeting on his upcoming visit to Beijing.

Other participants included Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, National Security Adviser and Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Finance Minister Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, and Minister for Economic Affairs Division and Establishment Ahad Khan Cheema.

After the meeting, K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi spoke to the media and explained that the meeting had been convened to discuss both national and international crises.

He clarified that no decision had yet been made regarding the implementation of a smart lockdown, adding that provinces had differing opinions on the matter.

Afridi emphasised that in times of crisis, the Muslim world always looks to Pakistan for leadership. However, he also stated, “We will not become part of any war.”

He criticised the allocation of the National Finance Commission award, saying that more than Rs375 billion had not been allocated, and added that the rights of FATA people were being taken by other provinces.

The president and the premier earlier held a high-level meeting to review national security and regional developments amid active efforts underway to bring an end to the conflict in the Middle East.

In a post on X, state broadcaster PTV News said the two met at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

It said the discussions focused on the overall national security situation; changing regional dynamics and their impact on Pakistan; economic, energy and security challenges and issues.

“Emphasis was placed on a coordinated national strategy and institutional harmony at the national level.”

Sources had earlier said the participants were expected to be briefed on potential “smart lockdowns” and other contingency measures, with provincial proposals on such lockdowns also under consideration.

Read more: Fuel crisis: govt mulls smart lockdown

International crude oil prices have surged beyond $100 per barrel amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, significantly increasing the import burden for energy-dependent economies. Earlier this month, the government raised petrol and high-speed diesel prices, pushing petrol above Rs321 per litre and diesel beyond Rs335 per litre.

Officials say Pakistan’s heavy reliance on imported fuel has made it particularly vulnerable to external shocks, with rising oil prices expected to strain foreign exchange reserves and widen the current account deficit.