ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday efforts to alleviate poverty must focus on long-term solutions that lead to economic independence, according to an official statement issued to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
The day, observed globally on October 17, raises awareness about the need to eliminate poverty and improve living conditions worldwide. In September last year, the World Bank reported that nearly 40 percent of Pakistan’s population was living below the poverty line due to the country’s ongoing economic challenges.
“We believe that lifting people out of poverty is not just about immediate relief but about creating sustainable pathways to economic empowerment,” the prime minister said. “Eradicating poverty is not just a moral duty but a fundamental cornerstone for achieving sustainable development and ensuring peace and prosperity for all.”
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the global community in ensuring a world where successful opportunities were not limited to a person’s background or circumstances, he said the government was making efforts for poverty alleviation.
“Our targeted efforts aim at empowering communities, especially women and children, and giving them the tools they need to build a better future,” he added. “As we face global challenges, including inflation and economic uncertainty, the Government of Pakistan remains committed to making life more affordable for its people.”
The prime minister noted Pakistan would continue collaboration with global partners in the inclusive growth, education, health care and environmental sustainability sectors.
“Poverty eradication is also at the forefront of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which Pakistan remains fully committed to achieving,” he said. “We are also proud of the progress made in empowering women and ensuring that their contributions are integral to the nation’s economic and social fabric.”
Sharif expressed confidence in Pakistan’s “unwavering dedication” to alleviating poverty, urging people to join their efforts of building a more “equitable and inclusive” world.
“On this day, I extend my deepest appreciation to all those, both in Pakistan and around the world, who are working tirelessly to eradicate poverty,” the prime minister concluded.
Pakistan PM advocates economic empowerment on World Poverty Day
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Pakistan PM advocates economic empowerment on World Poverty Day
- Shehbaz Sharif terms poverty eradication a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development
- He says government wants to bring down the cost of living amid global economic uncertainties
Pakistan orders four-day workweek, shuts schools to save fuel amid Middle East oil crisis
- The development comes as ongoing US-Israeli strikes on Iran disrupt oil supplies in Strait of Hormuz, push prices past $119 a barrel
- Islamabad bans government purchases, cuts fuel allocation for vehicles as well as workforce in public and private offices by 50 percent
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced austerity measures, including a four-day work week, cuts in government expenditures and closure of schools, to offset the impact of rising global oil prices due to an ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Global fuel supply lines have been disrupted in the Strait of Hormuz, which supplies nearly a fourth of world oil consumption, after Tehran blocked it following United States-Israeli strikes on Iran and counterattacks against US interests in the Gulf region.
Oil prices surged more than 25 percent globally on Monday to $119.50 a barrel, the highest levels since mid-2022, as some major producers cut supplies and fears of prolonged shipping disruptions gripped the market due to the expanding US-Israeli war with Iran.
In his televised address on Sunday night, Sharif said global oil prices were expected to rise again in the coming days but vowed not to let the people bear their brunt, announcing austerity measures to lessen the impact of fuel price hikes.
“Fifty percent staff in public and private entities will work from home,” he announced, adding this would not be applicable to essential services. “Offices will remain open for four days a week. One-day additional off is being given to conserve oil, but it would not be applicable to banks.”
Sharif didn’t specify working days of the week and the government was likely to issue a notification in this regard.
He said a decrease of 50 percent was being made in fuel allocation for government vehicles immediately for the next two months, but they would not include ambulances and public buses.
“Cabinet members, advisers and special assistants will not draw salaries for the next two months, 25 percent salaries of parliamentarians are being deducted, two-day salaries of Grade 20 and above officers, or those who are paid Rs300,000 ($1,067) a month, are being deducted for public relief,” he said.
Similarly, there will be 20 percent reduction in public department expenses and a complete ban on the purchase of cars, furniture, air conditioners and other goods, according to the prime minister.
Foreign trips of ministers and other government officials will also be banned along with government dinners and iftar buffets, while teleconferences and online meetings will be given priority.
“All schools will be off for two weeks, starting from the end of this week, and all higher education institutions should immediately begin online classes,” he said.
Sharif’s comments were aired hours after Pakistani authorities said the country had “comfortable levels” of petroleum stocks and the supply chains were functioning smoothly, despite intensifying Middle East conflict.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said three oil shipments were due to reach Pakistan this week, state media reported.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Navy (PN) launched ‘Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr’ to safeguard national energy shipments, the Pakistani military said on Monday, amid disruptions to critical sea lanes due to the conflict.
The navy is conducting escort operations in close coordination with the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC), according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing. It is fully cognizant of the prevailing maritime situation and is actively monitoring and controlling the movement of merchant vessels to ensure their safe and secure transit.
“With approximately 90 percent of Pakistan’s trade conducted via sea, the operation aims to ensure that vital sea routes remain safe, secure, and uninterrupted,” the ISPR said on Monday. “Currently, PN ships are escorting 2 x Merchant Vessels, one of which is scheduled to arrive Karachi today.”
