President Zardari asks government to maximise relief amid Middle East crisis

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday asked the government to take all possible steps to provide relief to ordinary citizens in view of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

According to the details shared from the meeting, the president directed the government to move to contain inflationary pressure and ensure the availability of essential commodities. He said that despite the difficult geographical and regional environment, tensions in the Middle East and disruption in supply chains, the public should be given maximum relief.

The meeting took place against the backdrop of rising concern over the regional situation and its economic fallout. The military escalation in the Middle East has created serious risks for global energy supplies and broader economic stability. The US-Israel war on Iran and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, described as one of the most important routes for oil and LNG shipments, are affecting energy flows worldwide.

Amid higher oil prices in the international market, the Petroleum Division on Friday raised petrol and high-speed diesel prices by nearly Rs15 per litre each for the next week. Petrol was increased from Rs399.86 to Rs414.78 per litre, while the price of HSD went up from Rs399.58 to Rs414.58 per litre.

Regional and national matters discussed

During the meeting, the participants also discussed matters relating to Afghanistan, the country’s overall situation and the evolving regional environment.

The huddle also paid tribute to the martyrs of the Marka-e-Haq and praised the professional capabilities of Pakistan’s armed forces. The participants reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to national defence.

Those present in the meeting included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, Senator Saleem Mandviwala and Dr Asim.

The president’s remarks focused on the need for public relief at a time when external developments are adding pressure to the domestic economy. He specifically instructed that measures be taken to check inflation and maintain the supply of essential goods, while stressing that the burden on the common man should be reduced as much as possible.

The discussion also reflected concern over the wider regional picture, including developments in Afghanistan and the changing situation in the surrounding region, as Pakistan’s top civilian leadership reviewed both economic and security-related issues in the meeting at the presidency.