Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday warned that the worsening situation in the Middle East could create fresh challenges for Pakistan’s economy, calling for heightened vigilance and comprehensive preparedness by all relevant institutions.
The prime minister chaired a meeting to assess the potential economic consequences of the regional crisis and directed authorities to develop a coordinated strategy to ensure swift and effective responses to emerging risks.
The meeting came as Iran and the United States exchanged intensified attacks amid a week of renewed hostilities, putting last month’s ceasefire under severe strain. The escalation has also disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to a rise in international energy prices.
PM Shehbaz instructed concerned departments to remain fully prepared for the possible fallout from the uncertain regional environment. He also praised the public for supporting the government’s austerity and fuel conservation measures.
Officials informed the meeting that Pakistan currently had adequate petroleum stocks to meet domestic demand and that arrangements were in place to maintain supplies in the coming period.
The PM said the government had taken steps to shield ordinary citizens, motorcyclists, rickshaw operators and transporters from the impact of higher fuel prices, while state subsidies had helped reduce the burden on consumers.
He also ordered provinces to coordinate with relevant authorities and take strict action against those attempting to create artificial shortages of petroleum products.
Recalling the public’s support for the government’s earlier austerity campaign, PM Shehbaz thanked citizens for their cooperation and urged the nation to continue demonstrating the same commitment.
He said the country now needed to adopt austerity as a collective national responsibility, building on the public response to previous government initiatives.
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