The meeting also examined proposals to provide relief to low-income segments of society who are facing financial pressure
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Photo: File
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed the authorities to take strict action against smuggling and illegal hoarding of petroleum products, citing the evolving regional situation.
The development came a day after President Asif Zardari and the Prime Minister assured in a high-level meeting that sufficient fuel stocks were available to meet the country’s needs and future arrangements are also in the works.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz chaired a high-level meeting to review the oil supply chain, conservation measures and the steps aimed at ensuring efficiency in the current situation.
The meeting also examined proposals to provide relief to low-income segments of society who are facing financial pressure. The Prime Minister directed relevant ministries to finalize recommendations in consultation with provincial governments and submit them for approval.
Emphasizing strict enforcement, the Prime Minister directed authorities to act tough against those involved in smuggling and illegal storage of petroleum products, warning that no leniency would be shown in maintaining market stability.
He noted that over the past three weeks, the Federal Government had taken significant measures to support vulnerable segments and reiterated that efforts would continue to prioritize relief to the underprivileged.
The government has provided relief worth Rs 129 billion to the people by reducing development expenditure and implementing austerity and austerity to prevent a rise in fuel prices, the prime minister told the meeting.
Expressing satisfaction over the fuel availability, Shehbaz said timely decisions by the federal government had ensured adequate oil stocks to meet national requirements. “Providing relief to the public remains our top priority,” he added.
The meeting was briefed on progress in the implementation of austerity measures. Officials informed the participants that the demand and supply of petroleum products, as well as the entire supply chain, were regularly monitored through a digital dashboard to ensure transparency and efficiency.
Those present at the meeting included Finance Minister Ahad Cheema, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Power Minister Awais Khan Leghari.
