President Asif Ali Zardari has directed the government to use all possible measures to reduce the impact of inflation on the public, as rising fuel prices and regional tensions add fresh pressure on Pakistan’s economy.
The directive came during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where senior officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar were also present.
According to an official statement, the president called for steps to ease inflationary pressure, ensure the availability of essential goods, and provide relief to the common man.
He said that despite difficult regional and geographical conditions, tensions in the Middle East, and disruptions in global supply chains, the government should make every effort to maximize relief for the public.
The meeting also reviewed the overall national situation, including matters related to Afghanistan and the changing regional environment.
Participants also paid tribute to the martyrs of last year’s conflict with India and praised the professional capabilities of the armed forces, while reaffirming their commitment to national defence.
The president’s remarks came shortly after the government raised the prices of both petrol and high-speed diesel by Rs. 15 per litre, marking the second increase in fuel prices this month.
The latest increase has triggered concerns of renewed inflationary pressure across the country, with transporters raising fares, businesses warning of higher operating costs, and consumers bracing for another round of price shocks.
High-speed diesel is widely used in the transport and agriculture sectors, and the price increase is expected to add to farming costs at a time when the sowing season is underway. Rising fuel costs are also likely to push up fertilizer prices further due to higher transportation expenses.
Petrol, meanwhile, is mainly used in motorcycles and private vehicles. The prime minister had earlier announced the continuation of a Rs. 100 per litre subsidy for motorists.
The fuel price hike comes amid global oil market volatility linked to tensions in the Gulf region and supply disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.
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