PM Orders Early Salaries, Pushes Rail Freight Expansion

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed that salaries of government employees be disbursed in advance of Eid, as part of broader measures aimed at providing immediate public relief while maintaining economic stability amid prevailing regional uncertainties.

The directive was issued during a high-level meeting reviewing petroleum reserves and ongoing economic measures. Officials briefed the meeting that the country currently maintains adequate fuel stocks, with authorities continuing to monitor supply levels and pricing trends in light of global market developments.

The prime minister instructed petroleum companies to ensure the sale of fuel strictly at government-notified prices and to uphold transparency in distribution practices. To strengthen consumer oversight, a reporting mechanism has been made available through the Pak App, enabling users to lodge complaints related to fuel supply and pricing irregularities.

He further noted that austerity measures have already been implemented nationwide and indicated that additional steps are under consideration to manage energy consumption and control public expenditure.

In a related directive, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed Pakistan Railways to enhance freight operations as part of a strategy to shift cargo transportation from road networks to rail infrastructure.

Railway authorities have initiated consultations with chambers of commerce and commercial stakeholders to promote freight bookings, while efforts to increase the production of freight wagons have also been expedited.

Officials stated that expanding freight rail operations is expected to reduce fuel consumption within the transport sector, thereby alleviating pressure on energy resources during a period of rising costs and economic strain.