Punjab, Centre evaluate petroleum stock, supply situation and conservation steps

• Maryam Nawaz meets Finance Minister Aurangzeb, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik to assess fuel situation

• Meeting reviews Punjab’s petrol, diesel and LNG reserves amid global crisis

• Fuel conservation policy proposed to maintain supply-demand balance

• CM orders strict crackdown on hoarding, price overcharging

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Sunday held a meeting with Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik to review the situation arising from the ongoing war in the Middle East and its possible implications for petroleum supplies.

During the meeting, participants reviewed the supply, demand and available reserves of petroleum products in Punjab, while also discussing measures to maintain a balance between demand and supply in view of the evolving global situation.

The meeting agreed on adopting a fuel conservation policy to maintain equilibrium in petroleum demand and supply. The chief minister emphasised the need to ensure the uninterrupted availability of diesel for agricultural purposes.

Maryam Nawaz directed the district administration to continuously monitor the supply of petroleum products and ordered a strict crackdown against hoarding. She also instructed the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority and the Transport Department to closely monitor the situation and take necessary action where required.

The chief minister said the public should not have to stand in long queues at petrol pumps and directed that the sale of petroleum products above the officially notified prices would not be allowed anywhere in the province.

She said the entire nation must demonstrate resilience to confront emerging challenges, adding that timely decisions are essential to safeguard economic stability.

Officials also briefed the participants on the reserves of petrol, diesel, LNG and other fuels, noting that immediate steps to conserve fuel and ensure prudent consumption were necessary in view of the prevailing global crisis.

‘I am the voice of every woman who has been suppressed’: CM Punjab

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz paid tribute to women in Punjab and across the world in a special message.

She said, “I am not only the first female Chief Minister of Punjab, but I am also the voice of every woman who has been suppressed.” She added that the daughters of Punjab are no longer weak; they have become a strong arm of the state and builders of the nation rather than victims.

Maryam Nawaz said women in Punjab are being empowered in every sphere — from education, security and healthcare to leadership and policymaking. She emphasised that women are no longer just statistics but are now being transformed into policymakers, protectors and thinkers.

The chief minister stated that under her leadership no one would dare cast an evil eye on any daughter of Punjab. She declared that the daughters of Punjab are her “red line,” adding that there will be no compromise on their dignity and protection.

She further said women in Punjab are being encouraged not only to dream but also to transform those dreams into reality. She highlighted that widowed women will no longer remain alone, as the government is introducing the “Rehmat Card” to support them.

Maryam Nawaz noted that initiatives such as Wi-Fi facilities, laptops, e-bikes and the “Honhaar Scholarship Programme” have been ensured for women. For their protection, foolproof measures such as panic buttons have also been introduced.

She also mentioned that the first Women Virtual Police Station has been established in Punjab, working round the clock to ensure women’s safety. She expressed pride that women have been inducted for the first time into the Border Military Police.

The chief minister said the government is fulfilling its promise of providing housing under the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” programme for women who previously had no shelter. The health sector across Punjab has also been upgraded for the benefit of women and their children.

She added that women are being empowered economically through the “Asaan Karobar” initiative, employment opportunities, paid internships and training programmes.

Maryam Nawaz also highlighted that the Pink Games are promoting the talent of Punjab’s daughters at the international level. She concluded by saying that she wishes to see every daughter of Punjab in a position where she is independent and not dependent on anyone.