Islamabad: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced that austerity measures are being actively enforced to secure funds aimed at providing public relief amidst the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Addressing the National Assembly, he noted that petroleum prices have been stable for three weeks due to a subsidy of 129 billion rupees.

According to Radio Pakistan, the government has shifted to providing targeted subsidies to specific segments of society, including motorcyclists, trucks, and public transport, while also supporting small farmers. Aurangzeb highlighted a reduction of 100 billion rupees in the Public Sector Development Program to reallocate funds for public relief.

During the assembly session, constructive suggestions were welcomed from both treasury and opposition members regarding petroleum prices, and the importance of building strategic fuel reserves was acknowledged. Responding to a notice, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif emphasized the need to transition to cheaper energy sources such as solar power, despite existing power purchase agreements with Independent Power Producers.

In related discussions, Minister of State for Climate Change Shezra Mansab Ali Khan Kharal reiterated the government’s push for clean energy initiatives, including solar power, and stressed the use of local coal over imports. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani reported growth in tax revenue collection and measures to expand the tax net, as well as efforts to mitigate the impact of the US-Iran conflict, including a reduction in the petroleum levy. The assembly session was adjourned, set to reconvene on Wednesday at 5 p.m.