The Prime Minister says that 100 billion Rs have been cut from public sector development programme, saved resources diverted to public relief
ISLAMABAD:
Amid escalating regional tensions and mounting economic pressures, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday called for national unity, political stability and shared sacrifice, urging the country’s elite to step forward as Pakistan grapples with the fallout from the ongoing conflict in the region.
Addressing a high-level meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister said the prevailing war situation has presented Pakistan with serious economic challenges, making it imperative for all sections of the society to act collectively to navigate the crisis.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers of all four provinces and representatives from Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir along with Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
The prime minister said that Pakistan is actively pursuing diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire, noting that Dar has engaged with foreign ministers of several countries and made an important visit to China as part of these efforts.
He added that the army chief also plays a key role and expressed hope for a positive development soon.
Highlighting the financial burden, Shehbaz said the government has already borne a financial burden of Rs 129 billion, while increases in oil prices have added to the public distress.
He noted that austerity measures have been introduced, including cabinet members forgoing two months’ salary, reducing fuel consumption by 50% and reducing the use of official vehicles by 60%.
He further said that Rs 100 billion has been cut from the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP), with the saved resources diverted to public relief initiatives.
He urged provincial governments to halt low-priority projects and join a nationwide austerity drive.
The prime minister stressed the importance of maintaining key sectors, saying that support for agriculture and public and freight transport is essential to ensure that wheat harvest and other agricultural activities continue uninterrupted and to protect the public from inflationary pressures.
Appreciating the cooperation between President Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the provincial leadership, he said the prevailing national unity demonstrates Pakistan’s ability to face challenges together.
He expressed confidence that peace would soon prevail in the region and that Pakistan would succeed in its economic and diplomatic endeavours.
