Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Finance, Miftah Ismail, has expressed concerns that the government’s policies are benefiting oil companies over the public. The statement comes as the country struggles to cope with a rising global oil price, which could surge to $120 per barrel if the Middle East conflict escalates.
Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, met with Federal Minister for Finance, Mian Abdul Moeed and Minister for Petroleum, Ali Haider Zaidi, in Karachi to discuss the energy crisis. The meeting centered on the global oil price surge and the need to conserve fuel reserves.
According to the Sindh Chief Minister’s spokesperson, the federal government briefed the meeting on the potential impact of global oil price fluctuations on the country’s economy. The meeting also discussed emergency measures to mitigate the energy crisis, including rationing and fuel conservation.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah emphasized the need for responsible energy consumption and public cooperation to overcome the energy crisis. He assured that all proposals discussed during the meeting would be presented to the provincial cabinet for consideration.
Federal Minister for Finance, Miftah Ismail, underscored the federal government’s commitment to monitoring global energy markets and developing alternative plans to mitigate the financial impact of oil price fluctuations. He also highlighted the need for fuel conservation measures to ensure that fuel reserves remain sustainable.
Minister for Petroleum, Ali Haider Zaidi, stated that the federal government is working to establish a joint board with provinces to monitor fuel reserves. He also announced plans to maintain close coordination with provinces to address the energy crisis.
The meeting also discussed the government’s plans to seek relief from the IMF to address the energy crisis. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah emphasized the need for close coordination between the federal and provincial governments to overcome the energy crisis.
In other news, Islamabad police have arrested several women who were on their way to participate in a protest march. Karachi Mayor, Murtaza Wahab, announced that the city’s Greater Pora Flyover will be completed within 100 days.
PTI leader, Salman Akram Raja, criticized the government for targeting women, saying that they had made the greatest sacrifices for the party. He also condemned the brutal treatment of women by the authorities.
The UAE Ministry of Defense has confirmed that the number of fatalities in the Iranian attacks in the UAE has risen to four, with Pakistani, Nepali, and Bangladeshi citizens among the dead.
In related news, 1900 people have been injured in Israel since the conflict with Iran began. The UAE has advised Pakistanis living in Dubai to refrain from sharing inflammatory content on social media.
Former Finance Minister, Miftah Ismail, criticized the government for not reducing its expenditure, saying that it was burdening the public with high fuel prices. He also called for the government to reduce its wasteful spending.
In a separate development, Islamabad police have arrested four suspects in a crackdown on organized gangs and criminals. Despite challenges on the Afghanistan border, anti-terrorism operations continue.
The Deputy Commissioner of Quetta has announced that the city may experience a dry spell in the next 24 hours.
