By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has directed that all possible measures be taken to provide relief to the public amid the ongoing Middle East crisis.
The president made these remarks during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad. He instructed the government to take steps to curb inflationary pressures and ensure the availability of essential commodities. He said that despite a difficult geographical and regional environment, including tensions in the Middle East and disruptions in global supply chains, maximum relief should be extended to the people.
The military escalation in the Middle East has raised concerns over potential energy disruptions and wider economic instability. The conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran, alongside tensions in the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most critical oil and liquefied natural gas shipping routes—has already begun to affect global energy flows.
In response to rising international oil prices, the Petroleum Division on Friday increased petrol and diesel prices by nearly Rs15 per liter for the upcoming week. The price of petrol rose from Rs399.86 to Rs414.78 per liter, while high-speed diesel increased from Rs399.58 to Rs414.58 per liter.
During the meeting, matters relating to Afghanistan, the country’s overall security situation and evolving regional developments were also discussed. The participants paid tribute to the martyrs of the Marka-e-Haq and acknowledged the professional capabilities of the armed forces, reiterating an unwavering commitment to national defence.
