Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday called for national unity and a coordinated austerity drive as Pakistan faces economic pressure amid ongoing regional tensions.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister said the current situation has placed a significant burden on the economy, urging all segments of society — particularly the elite — to contribute through shared sacrifice.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, provincial chief ministers, and representatives from Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, along with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
Shehbaz said Pakistan is actively pursuing diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire, noting that Ishaq Dar has engaged with foreign counterparts and recently visited China. He added that the army chief is also playing a key role in these efforts.
Highlighting the economic strain, the prime minister said the government has already absorbed a financial impact of PKR 129 billion, while recent increases in petroleum prices have added to public hardship.
He outlined austerity measures already in place, including cabinet members foregoing two months’ salaries, a 50% reduction in fuel consumption, and a 60% cut in the use of official vehicles. In addition, PKR 100 billion has been reduced from the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), with funds redirected towards relief efforts.
The prime minister urged provinces to halt low-priority projects and join the nationwide austerity drive. He also stressed the need to support key sectors such as agriculture and transport to ensure uninterrupted wheat harvesting and to limit inflationary pressures.
Appreciating political and institutional cooperation, Shehbaz said the current level of unity reflects the country’s ability to face challenges collectively. He expressed hope that diplomatic efforts would lead to peace in the region and help stabilize the economy.
Samra Zulfiqar, a real estate analyst at Zameen.com, is passionate about finding projects that offer buyers the best returns. Her keen insights spotlight the market’s most promising opportunities.
