Zardari Urges Relief for Public as Oil Prices Hit Pakistan
President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday urged the federal government to take every possible step to protect ordinary citizens from rising inflation and supply pressures, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met him at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad. The meeting took place at a time when Pakistan is facing renewed economic strain from the Middle East crisis and rising global fuel costs.
According to the report, the president asked the government to focus on relief for the common man by controlling inflationary pressure and ensuring the availability of essential commodities. His remarks reflected growing public concern after another sharp increase in petrol and diesel prices placed additional pressure on household budgets.
The two leaders discussed Pakistan’s overall political and economic situation, along with regional developments and matters linked to Afghanistan. The meeting also reviewed the changing security environment, particularly the impact of instability in the Middle East on energy supplies and global markets.
President Zardari said that despite the difficult regional and geographical situation, the state must prioritise public welfare. He called for practical measures to reduce the burden on citizens, especially as disruptions in supply chains and higher oil prices threaten to increase transport, food and utility costs.
The meeting came after the Petroleum Division raised petrol and high-speed diesel prices by nearly Rs15 per litre for the week. Petrol increased from Rs399.86 to Rs414.78 per litre, while high-speed diesel moved from Rs399.58 to Rs414.58 per litre, intensifying pressure on consumers and businesses.
Officials have linked the price shock to the wider Middle East conflict and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important routes for oil and LNG shipments. Any disruption in that corridor directly affects import-dependent economies like Pakistan, where fuel costs influence inflation, transport fares and industrial activity.
The meeting also paid tribute to the martyrs of Marka-e-Haq and praised the professional capabilities of Pakistan’s armed forces. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to national defence, signalling that security and economic stability remain linked priorities for the government.
Several senior officials attended the meeting, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, Senator Saleem Mandviwala and Dr Asim. Their presence suggested that the discussions covered both governance and national policy issues.
For Pakistan, the key challenge now is balancing fiscal discipline with public relief. The government will be expected to manage fuel-linked inflation, keep essential goods available and prevent further pressure on low- and middle-income households.
The coming days will show whether the president’s call leads to visible policy action. Citizens will be watching for relief measures, price-control steps and any further decisions aimed at protecting households from the economic fallout of regional instability.