By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the federal and provincial governments should halt or scale back projects that could be postponed to prioritise national development and stability, stressing that economic progress depends on political stability.
He said the federal cabinet had voluntarily surrendered two months’ salaries as part of austerity measures, adding that protecting the public, the agricultural sector and goods transport remained a top priority, alongside efforts to control inflation.
Addressing a high-level meeting on the regional situation, the prime minister said the federation and all provinces must work together and utilise resources collectively to confront difficult conditions. He added that Pakistan had made serious efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region, with the deputy prime minister playing an active role in diplomatic engagement.
Sharif said Pakistan continued to push for a ceasefire and noted that the country itself had been significantly affected by the ongoing conflict. He acknowledged that the war had created economic challenges and said parliamentarians had contributed by ensuring fuel conservation.
He thanked President Asif Ali Zardari for supporting austerity efforts, and appreciated Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for assuring full cooperation.
The prime minister said the federal government had already reduced Rs100 billion from the Public Sector Development Programme within three weeks, adding that chief ministers had pledged support to tackle wartime challenges. He stressed that in difficult times, the poor must be protected while the elite should demonstrate sacrifice.
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