Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has tasked the Intelligence Bureau (IB) with monitoring implementation of the national austerity plan across government institutions.
As per a Cabinet Division notification issued on Monday, the IB will “conduct a comprehensive audit and validation exercise, including impact assessment, with respect to all fuel conservation and additional austerity measures”.
“The bureau would submit weekly reports to the Prime Minister as well as to the Committee for Monitoring and Implementation of Fuel Conservation and Additional Austerity Measures,” it said.
The premier had announced the wide-ranging austerity and savings plan amid rising fuel costs triggered by the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict in the Middle East.
The notification assigning the IB as the watchdog emerged after the prime minister chaired a review meeting on the enforcement of the austerity and conservation plan.
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz said that economic stability and provision of relief to the public remained the government’s top priorities, and all measures were being taken to not only provide immediate relief but also ensure long-term economic stability, read a statement issued by the PM House.
He said that the government was prepared to face any situation arising from the ongoing global tensions.
The prime minister directed petroleum distribution companies to ensure the sale of petroleum products at the government-determined prices and to maintain transparency in this matter.
PM told the participants of the meeting that consultations were being held regarding additional measures to provide relief to the public, saying an adequate quantity of petroleum products was available in the country due to the government’s timely decisions.
During the meeting, the prime minister was briefed on the country’s existing oil reserves, imports of petroleum products to meet local demand, and measures to provide relief to the public.
The meeting was apprised that the government was continuously monitoring the sale of petroleum products at the fixed prices while to ensure the uninterrupted supply of oil and its sale at the prescribed price.
A new feature has been added to the Pak App, enabling consumers to report certain issues.
Through the Pak App, consumers will be able to inform the relevant authorities about the unavailability of fuel or its sale at higher prices anywhere in the country, upon which immediate action will be taken.
Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan Amir Muqam Monday held meeting with Shehbaz Sharif.
The minister briefed the PM about the progress of public welfare projects in AJK, GB and KP.