Islamabad: A high-level meeting to review the implementation of measures regarding petroleum products, energy conservation, and austerity was held in Islamabad today with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in the chair. The meeting was briefed on the implementation of decisions related to austerity measures, aimed at ensuring economic stability in view of the current tense regional situation.

According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting was given a briefing regarding arrangements for the early closure of markets and shopping malls at 8:00 pm, effective from today, in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister stressed the entire nation to participate actively in the campaign for petroleum conservation and austerity in view of the seriousness of the regional situation.

The Prime Minister emphasized that hoarding of petroleum products is inexcusable and announced that strict legal action will be taken against those involved in this malicious activity. He highlighted that a substantial part of the country's electricity generation depends on petroleum products. Shehbaz Sharif said early closure of markets and other austerity measures are aimed at not only to save precious foreign exchange, but also to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.

It was briefed that consultations are underway with the Sindh government regarding the closure of markets and shopping malls at 8 pm. It was also briefed that provincial governments have started submitting data of individuals entitled for petroleum subsidies, and payments are being made through a transparent digital system after verification.

The meeting was also briefed that the provision of subsidies to cargo vehicles, buses, and trucks is consistently continuing since 4th of this month in collaboration with the Ministry of IT and the State Bank of Pakistan. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Abdul Aleem Khan, Dr. Musadik Malik, Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Sardar Owais Ahmed Leghari, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistants Tariq Bajwa and Talha Barki, Governor of the State Bank, Chief Secretaries of all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Inspector General of Police, and other senior officials.