ISLAMABAD: The government cut petrol and diesel prices by Rs22 per litre each on Friday, as tumbling global crude markets gave Islamabad room to deliver on promise of public relief.
Effective May 30, petrol will sell at Rs381.78 per litre, down from Rs403.78, while high-speed diesel (HSD) drops to Rs380.78 from Rs402.78. It follows more modest cuts of Rs6 and Rs6.80 per litre respectively just a week earlier.
“The prime minister had promised the nation that relief would be provided to the public as soon as there was room to do so,” the PM Office said in a statement. “That promise has been fulfilled exactly as stated.”
The announcement comes as international oil prices are sliding. Brent’s crude futures fell 2 percent Friday to around $90.81 a barrel for the active August contract, dragged down by reports that the United States and Iran had reached an agreement on a potential ceasefire extension. The Brent benchmark has plunged roughly 11pc this week, while West Texas Intermediate has shed nearly 10pc.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, quoted in the PMO statement, framed the cut as part of a sustained relief drive. “Providing relief to the public is among my top priorities,” he said. “Even under extremely difficult circumstances, the federal government continued providing relief to the public and offered fuel subsidies for users of public/goods transport, motorcycles and rickshaws.”
The PMO also pointed, “At a time when people in other countries of the region were standing in queues to obtain petrol, timely actions by the prime minister ensured that petrol and diesel remained available to the public in Pakistan.”
“During the worst global oil crisis, despite rising oil prices in the international market, the prime minister prevented increases in fuel prices by providing subsidies of more than Rs130, thereby continuing to provide relief to the public through subsidies as well,” the PMO added.
Also, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) reduced the maximum ex-depot price of kerosene by Rs41.44 to Rs272 per litre.
Meanwhile, the prime minister held a telephonic conversation with Kuwait Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al Hamad Al Mubarak Al Sabah on the occasion of Eidul Azha. During their warm and cordial discussion, the two leaders exchanged heartiest Eid greetings and conveyed their best wishes to the peoples of the two countries on this joyous occasion.
While reaffirming Pakistan’s condemnation of the attacks on Kuwait and expressing solidarity with the Kuwaiti leadership on the losses suffered by them during these attacks, the prime minister stated that Pakistan was making its humble and sincere efforts to bring peace back to the region. He thanked brotherly countries, including Kuwait and its leadership, for supporting Pakistan’s efforts in this regard.
While appreciating Pakistan’s important role in the ongoing regional peace efforts, the crown prince said that Kuwait was fully supportive of Pakistan. In this regard, the prime minister acknowledged the untiring diplomatic efforts of Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, for ensuring that the peace talks continue to move forward. The crown prince said that the emir was full of praise and respect for the prime minister and he wished Pakistan every success in the peace efforts. The Kuwaiti leadership would be happy to welcome the prime minister in Kuwait.
The prime minister also held a telephonic conversation with his Malaysian counterpart Dr Anwar Ibrahim. Shehbaz conveyed heartfelt Eidul Azha greetings to the Malaysian leader as well as the brotherly Malaysian people. PM Anwar Ibrahim warmly reciprocated the Eid greetings for the prime minister as well as the brotherly people of Pakistan. He also conveyed his special regards for former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
The Malaysian prime minister acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan’s remarkable role in the ceasefire in the Gulf and the ongoing peace efforts to ensure an enduring peace settlement in the region. He prayed to Allah to give more strength and success to the prime minister and his team.
The prime minister stated that progress in the peace efforts could not have been possible without the contribution of brotherly countries, including Malaysia. He stated that it was due to the untiring diplomatic efforts of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the active role played by Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar that Pakistan had been able to steer the peace process forward. While deeply appreciating these efforts, the Malaysian prime minister conveyed his best wishes for Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. He was effusive in his praise for Pakistan’s peace initiative which, he said, was in accordance with the ideology and vision of the Quaid-i-Azam. The two leaders also expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in Lebanon perpetrated by Israeli security forces as well as the deteriorating situation in Gaza.
Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz extended Eidul Azha greetings to various high-ranking government, constitutional and political personalities over the telephone.
According to a statement issued by the PM Office media wing, the prime minister separately telephoned the president of Pakistan, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governors, National Assembly speaker, Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan chief ministers to convey Eid greetings.
Shehbaz telephoned Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam head Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Jamaat-e-Islami emir Hafiz Naeemur Rehman and Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan (Noorani) head Shah Owais Noorani and conveyed Eid greetings to them.
The prime minister also contacted the head of Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party Abdul Aleem Khan, Khalid Magsi of the Balochistan Awami Party and Aftab Sherpao of the Qaumi Watan Party, and extended Eid greetings to them.
During the conversations, the overall political situation of the country was also discussed, while the importance of effective coordination and mutual cooperation between the federation and the provinces was emphasised.
The prime minister stated that the federal government, in collaboration with all the provinces and units, will continue taking every possible step to provide maximum relief to the people.
The prime minister also extended Eidul Azha greetings over the telephone to Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf.
The prime minister paid tribute to the professional competence of Pakistan Armed Forces, as well as their services and sacrifices for national security. He stated that the nation takes pride in its brave soldiers and the unwavering commitment and sacrifices of the armed forces.
While praying for the security, development and prosperity of the country, the prime minister paid special homage to those officers and soldiers who, even on the occasion of Eid, are performing their duties for the defence of the beloved homeland.
The Chief of Defence Forces and the services chiefs thanked the prime minister for his Eid greetings and good wishes, and prayed for the joys of Eidul Azha, peace and prosperity for the prime minister and the entire nation. They reaffirmed their commitment that the armed forces of Pakistan remain ever ready for the defence and security of the homeland.
Earlier, the prime minister offered Eid prayers in Lahore. Hamza Shehbaz Sharif and other dignitaries also offered Eidul Azha prayers alongside the prime minister.
On this occasion, special prayers were made for the security and prosperity of the country, the unity of Muslim Ummah and peace in the region. After offering the Eid prayers, the prime minister met with citizens and party workers, extended Eid greetings to them and expressed his good wishes.
Meanwhile, in his message on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers (May 29), Prime Minister Shehbaz said: “Today, Pakistan joins the international community in paying rich tribute to the brave men and women serving under the United Nations flag on the occasion of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.
“Observed annually across the world, this day recognises the invaluable services and sacrifices rendered by military, police and civilian peacekeepers deployed in conflict-affected regions in pursuit of global peace and security.
“This year’s observance is being commemorated under the theme, ‘Invest in Peace,’ which underscores the critical importance of sustained political commitment and financial support for the promotion of durable peace and the protection of human lives worldwide.
“The day also commemorates the establishment of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO), the first-ever UN peacekeeping mission, which commenced operations in Palestine in 1948.
“Over the course of peacekeeping history, more than two million men and women have served in over seventy UN peace missions around the world. Pakistan remains among the longest-serving and leading contributors to United Nations peacekeeping operations. Through their dedicated service, troop-contributing countries continue to play a vital role in the maintenance of international peace and security, reflecting our collective commitment to peace as a shared global priority.
“Since 1960, Pakistan has contributed more than 235,000 personnel to over 48 UN peacekeeping missions, including more than 500 women peacekeepers. It is a matter of immense national pride that Pakistan today stands as the fifth-largest contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations.
“The courageous peacekeepers serving across the globe have made extraordinary sacrifices in the service of humanity and global stability. The unwavering dedication of UN peacekeepers to peace is exemplified by the ultimate sacrifice made by more than 4,400 personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty, including over 181 Pakistani peacekeepers.
“Pakistan takes immense pride in its martyrs and in all those brave sons and daughters who continue to serve with exceptional professionalism, commitment and resolve in promoting peace, stability and the protection of vulnerable communities across different regions of the world.
“Pakistan reiterates its steadfast commitment to further strengthening global peace efforts through active participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions. Our continued contribution reflects Pakistan’s enduring commitment to international peace and security, as well as to the principles of multilateralism,” said the prime minister.
