National Consultative Meeting: Provinces Oppose Smart Lockdown, Pledge Austerity Measures
Islamabad: In a national consultative meeting, the chief ministers of all provinces opposed the imposition of a smart lockdown across the country and pledged to further tighten austerity measures.
According to details, the meeting was held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr under the chairmanship of President Asif Ali Zardari, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, leadership from all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir in attendance.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, National Security Adviser Lt. Gen. Asim Malik, Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, along with federal and provincial ministers and senior officials.
During the meeting, President Asif Ali Zardari directed that all possible measures be taken to protect the public especially the common man from the burden of inflation, in light of pressure on oil and gas supply, rising energy prices, and the evolving regional situation.
Participants were briefed by all provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir on steps being taken to control inflation, ensure the supply of essential goods, and reduce the burden on citizens.
The meeting also reviewed the overall regional situation and its potential impact on Pakistan’s security, economy, and food security. It was noted that despite the global crisis, timely decisions ensured uninterrupted fuel supply, with sufficient oil reserves available and future arrangements underway.
The Deputy Prime Minister briefed the participants on his diplomatic engagements, including contacts with the leadership of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, and informed them about his upcoming visit to Beijing.
According to government sources, the proposal to impose a smart lockdown nationwide was considered, but provincial governments opposed it and recommended against its implementation, instead committing to stricter austerity measures.
The meeting emphasized ensuring full implementation of energy and fuel conservation measures and urged provinces to contribute to the Rs. 254 billion relief package.
It was also shared that the Prime Minister had repeatedly rejected proposals to increase fuel prices, and savings from austerity measures are being allocated for public relief. The government has reduced its expenditures, cut the development budget, and decided to immediately ground 60% of official vehicles.
President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed that economically vulnerable segments of society would not be left alone during difficult times. He stressed the need for coordinated decision-making in economic management, energy planning, food security, and security preparedness.
He also emphasized launching public awareness campaigns to encourage reduced fuel consumption, promote public transport, and adopt carpooling to better manage energy usage.
Government members reiterated that despite the global crisis, there has been no disruption in fuel supply, with ample oil and gas reserves available and future planning in progress.
