In a national address, the prime minister said both federal and provincial governments held a meeting and agreed on several emergency decisions to control fuel usage and government spending.

He announced that fuel provided to government vehicles will be reduced by 50% for the next two months. In addition, 60% of vehicles used by government departments will be taken off the roads during this period to reduce fuel consumption.

The prime minister also revealed that cabinet members, including ministers, advisers, and special assistants, will not receive salaries for two months. At the same time, the salaries of members of parliament will be reduced by 25%.

He further announced that all government departments will cut their expenses by 20%, except for salaries. These measures are aimed at lowering government spending during the current economic pressure.

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The prime minister admitted that increasing petrol prices recently was a difficult decision, but said it was unavoidable because of rising international oil prices. He explained that he was advised to increase prices even more, but decided to choose what he called a “middle path” to protect the public from greater financial pressure.

He also warned that the region is facing serious security challenges. Pakistan continues to face terrorism threats along its western borders, and the armed forces are conducting operations against militants and their facilitators in Afghanistan.

Shehbaz Sharif added that Pakistan had once been close to default, but the government managed to stabilize the economy through difficult reforms and public support. According to him, inflation has decreased, and electricity prices have also been reduced in recent months.

The prime minister assured citizens that the government will try its best to keep the burden on the public as low as possible while dealing with the economic effects of the Middle East conflict.