Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told officials on Saturday to draw up a proper austerity and savings plan fast. The move comes because global economic trouble — sparked by the US-Israeli strikes on Iran — is hitting Pakistan hard.
He held a review meeting to look at the country’s finances in this shaky international situation. People in the room got a clear update on how the regional conflict is already hurting the economy.
Pakistan saw the first big shock yesterday. The government increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 a litre — the highest single jump ever. Oil markets around the world shot up after attacks in the Middle East raised fears that supplies could get blocked. Everyone worries about the Strait of Hormuz.
Plan Must Protect Ordinary People
The prime minister asked for a strategy built around growth, simple living, and real savings. He wants solid, doable suggestions on his desk in the next 48 hours.
He made it very clear: keep extra pressure off the common man. Help for the public has to come first.
A committee he set up last week already gave him a briefing. That group checks the worldwide fallout from the tensions and comes up with answers.
Because of quick action earlier, petrol pumps never ran dry. The latest price rise happened only after the committee suggested it — and even then, they passed on just the smallest slice of the global increase to drivers.
Shehbaz Sharif told the committee to move quicker now. He wants straightforward ideas that actually help people without delay.
Zero Tolerance for Petrol Hoarding
He gave tough orders on cheating at fuel stations. Any pump or company that hoards petrol or makes fake shortages will get shut down straight away. Their licence goes, and they face court.
The prime minister also sent the finance and petroleum ministers to tour all four provinces. They have to sit with provincial leaders and make a shared plan. The aim is to save fuel where possible and make sure nobody runs short.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Acts Fast on Fuel Savings
Over in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Finance Secretary Kamran Ahmad Afridi sent out strict orders the same day. Every attached department must start fuel conservation and cut costs immediately.
The official notice stops all non-essential travel. No more outstation trips, no ceremonial visits, no routine checks unless really needed.
Meetings inside departments or between departments should happen online as much as possible. Less travel means less fuel burned.
Official cars are only for real government work. People have to share rides. Using two or three vehicles for one job is banned.
Every office must keep tight records of fuel given out and kilometres driven. No exceptions.
Bosses have to explain to their staff why these rules matter so much right now.
The restrictions won’t slow down work on next year’s budget.
All department heads and field offices got told to follow every word. The message is simple: save government money while the economy stays uncertain.
