PM says Rs100 billion cut from public sector development program and saved resources redirected to public assistance
ISLAMABAD:
Amid escalating regional tensions and growing economic pressures, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday called for national unity, political stability and shared sacrifice, urging the country’s elite to move forward as Pakistan grapples with the aftermath of the region’s ongoing conflict.
Addressing a high-level meeting in Islamabad, the Prime Minister said the current war situation was posing serious economic challenges to Pakistan, making it imperative that all segments of society act collectively to tackle the crisis.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, chief ministers of the four provinces and representatives of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan was actively continuing its diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire, noting that Dar had engaged with foreign ministers of several countries and undertaken 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 positive developments soon.
Highlighting economic strains, Shehbaz said the government has already borne a financial burden of Rs129 billion, while rising oil prices have worsened public woes.
He noted that austerity measures have been introduced, including cutting two months’ salaries of cabinet members, reducing fuel consumption by 50% and reducing the use of official vehicles by 60%.
He further said that Rs100 billion had been cut from the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP), with the saved resources being redirected to public relief initiatives.
He urged provincial governments to end low-priority projects and join a nationwide austerity drive.
Highlighting the importance of supporting key sectors, the Prime Minister said support for agriculture and public and freight transport is essential to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of the wheat harvest and other agricultural activities and to protect the public from inflationary pressures.
Appreciating the cooperation of President Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and provincial leaders, he said the current national unity demonstrates Pakistan’s capacity to tackle challenges collectively.
He expressed confidence that peace would soon reign in the region and Pakistan would succeed in its economic and diplomatic endeavours.
