PM asks provinces to axe 'some' projects

Amid escalating regional tensions and mounting economic pressures, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday called for national unity, political stability and shared sacrifice, urging the country's elite to step forward as Pakistan grapples with the fallout of ongoing conflict in the region.

Addressing a high-level meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister said the prevailing war situation has posed serious economic challenges for Pakistan, making it imperative for all segments of society to act collectively to navigate the crisis.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, chief ministers of all four provinces, and representatives from Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, along with Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

The prime minister said Pakistan is actively pursuing diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire, noting that Dar has engaged with foreign ministers of several countries and undertaken an important visit to China as part of these efforts.

He added that the army chief is also playing a key role and expressed the hope for positive developments soon.

Highlighting the economic strain, Shehbaz said the government has already borne a financial burden of Rs129 billion, while increases in petroleum prices have added to public hardship.

He noted that austerity measures have been introduced, including cabinet members foregoing two months' salaries, reducing fuel consumption by 50% and cutting the use of official vehicles by 60%.

He further said that Rs100 billion has been slashed from the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), with the saved resources being redirected towards public relief initiatives.

He urged provincial governments to halt low-priority projects and join a nationwide austerity drive.

Emphasising the importance of sustaining key sectors, the prime minister said support for agriculture and public and goods transport is essential to ensure wheat harvesting and other farming activities continue uninterrupted, and to shield the public from inflationary pressures.

Appreciating the cooperation of the president, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and provincial leadership, he said the prevailing national unity demonstrates Pakistan's ability to confront challenges collectively.

He expressed confidence that peace would soon prevail in the region and Pakistan would succeed in its economic and diplomatic efforts.