ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed satisfaction that Pakistan is effectively managing the demand and supply of essential commodities despite the ongoing Middle East crisis.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, the premier said several countries were struggling to maintain a balance in supply and demand due to the evolving regional situation, but Pakistan had so far successfully avoided such disruptions.
He directed authorities to devise a comprehensive strategy to protect the country from financial and economic impacts, stressing that it should not disturb production or the supply-demand balance across key sectors.
The prime minister also instructed that both internal and external macroeconomic factors be carefully assessed while preparing the strategy.
He appreciated the timely and effective measures taken by relevant institutions to avert any emergency situation in the availability of essential goods.
Highlighting progress, the premier said that after fulfilling domestic needs, the government was working on a strategy to export surplus food and essential commodities.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to economic stability and public welfare, the prime minister called for medium- and long-term planning in view of rising global prices.
He emphasised close coordination among ministries and institutions to ensure sustainable growth and stability across all sectors of the economy.
The premier further directed officials to propose measures to minimise the impact of rising production costs on exports and overall economic output.
He also stressed the need to fully utilise available resources to safeguard agricultural and industrial production from negative impacts amid current challenges.
During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that ministries and institutions were reviewing economic developments on a daily basis in line with government directives.
The meeting reviewed strategies to tackle financial challenges arising from regional tensions, with the prime minister appreciating inter-ministerial coordination and urging further improvement in collaboration.