PM says Pakistan stands by Gulf allies amid Middle East tensions, hints at higher oil prices

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced sweeping austerity measures, fuel reductions, and work-from-home directives for government employees in response to rising Middle East tensions, domestic security concerns, and surging global oil prices.

Under the new measures, fuel supply for government vehicles will be cut by 50 per cent for the next two months, and 60 per cent of official vehicles will be grounded. Cabinet ministers will forgo salaries for two months, while members of parliament will see a 25 per cent reduction in pay.

Foreign official trips by ministers, governors, and provincial chief ministers are suspended for two months. Government banquets, official dinners, and Iftar events are fully suspended. Purchases of vehicles, furniture, and air conditioners by government departments are banned.

Fifty per cent of federal staff will work from home, with only essential personnel reporting to offices. Government offices will operate four days a week.

All higher education institutions will shift to online classes, and schools will observe a two-day holiday starting at the end of this week. Seminars and official events will be held in government facilities instead of hotels to reduce expenses.

In his address to the nation, Prime Minister Sharif described the Middle East as “engulfed in a severe warlike situation” and warned that threats to peace were a concern for all. He said Pakistan continues to face terrorism along its western borders, but praised the armed forces under Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for responding to attacks and safeguarding the country’s borders.

Sharif urged diplomatic solutions to regional tensions and expressed condolences over the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and his family. He condemned recent attacks in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, the UAE, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

The prime minister acknowledged the impact of global oil price increases, which have surpassed $100 per barrel, and said recent petroleum price hikes were “a difficult but necessary decision” to stabilise the economy and the national currency. He promised that future increases would be managed to minimise the burden on citizens.

Sharif stressed the need for national unity during this challenging period and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting friendly nations and maintaining security and stability in the region.

The prime minister expressed that the government and people of Pakistan join the Iranian nation in their “hour of grief and sorrow” and extended “the most sincere condolences on the martyrdom” of Khamenei.