ISLAMABAD: Asif Ali Zardari has directed the government to utilise all possible measures to minimise the impact of rising inflation on the public amid increasing economic pressure caused by higher fuel prices and global supply chain disruptions.
The instructions were issued during a high-level meeting with Shehbaz Sharif at Aiwan-e-Sadr, according to an official statement released by the presidency on Monday.
Several senior government officials attended the meeting, including Ishaq Dar, Ayaz Sadiq, Mohsin Naqvi, and Azam Nazeer Tarar.
According to the statement, President Zardari instructed authorities to ensure the availability of essential commodities and provide maximum possible relief to ordinary citizens facing mounting inflationary pressure.
“The president directed possible measures to reduce inflationary pressures, ensure availability of essential goods and provide relief to the common man,” the presidency said.
During the meeting, Zardari emphasised that despite difficult regional and geopolitical circumstances, the government must continue prioritising public welfare and economic stability.
Officials also discussed the overall security and political situation in the country, including developments related to Afghanistan and the changing regional environment amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Participants additionally paid tribute to the martyrs of last year’s military conflict with India and praised the professional capabilities of Pakistan’s armed forces while reaffirming commitment to national defence.
The meeting comes at a time of growing economic concern following the government’s decision to sharply increase petroleum prices earlier this week.
On Friday, the federal government increased the prices of petrol and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs15 per litre due to fluctuations in global oil markets and disruptions linked to the continued closure and instability surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
It marked the second fuel price hike in May and immediately raised fears of another inflationary wave across the country.
Economists and market analysts warn that the increase in petroleum prices could significantly affect transportation, agriculture, food production, and consumer goods prices in Pakistan’s already struggling economy.
High-speed diesel is widely used in the transport and agricultural sectors, particularly during the crop sowing season. Experts believe the increase in diesel prices will raise farming costs at a time when fertiliser and transportation expenses are already climbing.
Transporters in several cities have already begun increasing fares, while businesses have warned of rising operational costs likely to be passed on to consumers.
The latest price hike has also intensified concerns among ordinary citizens who continue to face high living costs, unemployment pressures, and weakening purchasing power.
Although petrol is mainly used in motorcycles and private vehicles, the government has previously announced a Rs100 per litre subsidy for motorists in an effort to ease the burden on consumers.
The global energy situation remains tense due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States, which has disrupted oil supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz — a route responsible for nearly 20% of the world’s oil shipments.
Middle Eastern oil-producing countries including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait have also reportedly faced supply-related challenges as regional tensions continue to affect energy infrastructure and exports.
Analysts say the ongoing crisis has created uncertainty in global oil markets, putting additional pressure on import-dependent economies such as Pakistan.
