Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Wednesday that the federal government finalised a proposed Rs 160 billion security and development package for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), while reaffirming Pakistan's diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East.
Addressing a federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad, the prime minister said the package was finalised on Tuesday and that restoring security in KP remained a government priority.
He called for coordination among federal and provincial administrations, the armed forces and law enforcement agencies to address militancy in the province.
Sharif also acknowledged the long term impact of terrorism on communities in KP and Baluchistan. However, he did not provide a detailed breakdown of the proposed package, how it would be allocated between security and development, or a timeline for implementation.
Pakistan maintains diplomatic engagement with Iran
Speaking about the Middle East conflict, Sharif said Pakistan was continuing its efforts to restore regional stability through diplomatic engagement with Iran, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
He said Pakistani representatives visited Tehran twice over the past two to three weeks.
According to the prime minister, the visits included engagements with Field Marshal Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. He also referred to diplomatic exchanges with Saudi Arabia's defence minister and with Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin.
Sharif said the discussions centred on reducing regional tensions and strengthening cooperation among participating countries.
He maintained that Pakistan would continue to play its diplomatic role despite uncertainty surrounding the conflict.
Government says Rs 15 petrol increase was avoided
The prime minister also addressed the domestic effects of rising international energy prices.
He said the government considered raising petrol prices by Rs 15 per litre last Friday but, after negotiations with oil refineries, avoided passing the additional cost on to consumers.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik and relevant officials worked with refineries to absorb the increase through profits generated from higher international prices, according to Sharif.
He said the government's fuel subsidy programme, introduced in September, would continue until the end of December.
The prime minister reported that the scheme cost about Rs 28 billion, with around 15 million people using subsidy tokens.
He added that the Intelligence Bureau identified irregularities at some petrol pumps and directed authorities to take action against those involved.
Winter energy supplies remain a concern
Sharif said the government was reviewing arrangements for winter supplies of petrol, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other fuels amid disruptions to maritime routes.
He also outlined changes to the LPG import system, including competitive auctions and greater transparency over import costs.
The government intends to use revenue generated through the new arrangements to support consumer subsidies, he said.
The prime minister's announcements place domestic security, energy affordability and regional diplomacy among the government's immediate priorities.
Further details are awaited on the Rs 160 billion KP package, particularly regarding its funding structure, development allocations and implementation schedule.
