Lahore: Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik has said the government is making every possible effort to protect the people, particularly vulnerable segments, from the economic impact of the ongoing war and rising petroleum prices.
According to a spokesperson here on Sunday, he said the government had reduced the burden of increased fuel prices by Rs 100 per litre for motorcyclists, benefiting around nine million people, and would continue the relief scheme as long as it had the capacity to do so.
Ali Pervaiz Malik said the people were facing difficulties due to the rise in petroleum prices, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was fully aware of their problems. He said since the outbreak of the war, the government had not tried to pass the entire burden on to the people and had increased petroleum prices only to the extent necessitated by the prevailing situation.
He said the state had a responsibility to support weaker segments of society in difficult times and would not leave them alone, adding that the government would continue working to minimize the impact of the crisis on the people.
The federal minister said the ongoing war had engulfed the region and Pakistan was closely monitoring the rapidly changing situation. He said Pakistan stood with Saudi Arabia and strongly condemned attacks on its installations. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had assigned him the responsibility of visiting Riyadh to meet the Saudi Energy Minister, convey Pakistan’s solidarity and thank the Saudi leadership for its cooperation.
Ali Pervaiz Malik said Pakistan faced challenges on both external and internal fronts, including the resurgence of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He urged all political forces to understand their national responsibility and stand united for the protection of the country and its borders. He said political differences and rhetoric could be dealt with later, but the protection and stability of Pakistan should remain the foremost priority.
The petroleum minister said the government would continue diplomatic and other efforts for a permanent ceasefire and peace in the region, adding that Pakistan would take every possible step to protect its national interests and its people.