ISLAMABAD, March 17 (IN): A meeting with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in the chair, Tuesday, was informed that adequate stocks of petroleum products were available in the country as per local requirements.The meeting to review implementation of fuel conservation and austerity measures in light of the regional and global situation, was briefed on the progress on these measures.It was apprised that implementation of the prime minister’s directives was being ensured, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.The Intelligence Bureau would present monitoring reports on the implementation of all measures, it was added.The prime minister directed the Minister for Petroleum to further enhance efforts to improve Pakistan’s petroleum import supply chain.He stressed that all relevant institutions should remain prepared for emergency measures until the situation improved.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb; Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Climate Change Dr. Musadik Malik, Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani, Special Assistant Tariq Bajwa, Governor State Bank Jameel Ahmad and other senior government officials.The meeting was further informed that the entire situation was being closely monitored and records of petroleum products were being maintained to immediately identify any irregularity.All cabinet members had voluntarily foregone their salaries. Positive results were being observed from the reduced fuel usage in government departments.
These savings measures would help provide relief to the public in the current situation, it was added.Moreover, sufficient stocks of medicines were available in the country to meet country’s requirements.The participants were briefed that special connectivity arrangements had been made by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication to facilitate government e-office systems for work-from-home.
