Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed to ensure uninterrupted gas and power supply to consumers during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan following the moon sighting earlier in the evening by the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.
Chairing a high-level meeting focused on the petroleum sector, the PM underlined the need to provide all possible facilities to private sector entities, both local and foreign investors, involved in the exploration, refining, and distribution of gas and oil resources.
He clarified that the government’s role is to facilitate the private sector and safeguard the rights of consumers, especially those in vulnerable segments of society.
Addressing the participants, the prime minister urged steps to encourage global investment in exploring tight gas and undersea oil and gas reserves. He expressed regret over the lack of efforts in tapping into Pakistan’s vast maritime area, highlighting its potential for hidden natural resources.
In an earlier directive, the premier called for an increase in the volume of the Ramadan Relief Package, extending its reach to benefit more people. The initiative offers subsidized prices on essential food items throughout the holy month, including flour, ghee, edible oil, sugar, pulses, dates, rice, tea, spices, milk, and beverages.
To ensure widespread distribution, the prime minister instructed the establishment of 1,200 mobile points and 300 permanent relief centers. The relief package aims to provide affordable food items to the poor, needy, and deserving individuals. Modern technology, including GPS, will be employed to determine locations, and a special video guide for the mobile app will be released.
Continuing with the focus on social welfare, the prime minister highlighted that under the Benazir Income Support Programme, flour, rice, ghee, sugar, syrup, and milk will be offered at prices lower than the market rates. The programme includes a subsidy of Rs77 per kilogram on flour and Rs70 per kilogram on ghee.
