Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has mandated stringent measures against the smuggling and illegal hoarding of petroleum products, underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting low-income segments of the population.

According to Radio Pakistan, during a review meeting in Islamabad, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of maintaining a steady supply of petroleum products while implementing austerity measures amid current regional challenges. The meeting was convened to assess ongoing efforts to alleviate the financial burden on low-income groups, with the Prime Minister directing relevant ministries to consult with provincial authorities and present final recommendations.

Over the past three weeks, the Federal Government has implemented measures to provide significant financial relief to those in need. Prime Minister Sharif announced that 129 billion rupees have been allocated for this purpose, achieved through cuts in the development budget and various savings strategies, to stabilize oil prices. He emphasized that such initiatives will persist, as ensuring public welfare remains a top government priority.

The Prime Minister also noted that timely government decisions have secured sufficient petroleum product stocks to satisfy domestic requirements. The meeting was informed that the demand and supply of these products are meticulously tracked via a digital dashboard to ensure efficiency and transparency in the supply chain.