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17:18 Apr 07, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called on the nation on Tuesday to contribute to fuel conservation and the austerity drive in the country, keeping in view the situation resulting from the ongoing war in the Middle East. The war began with US-Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28 and has given rise to a global fuel crisis. In order to deal with the situation, the government announced unprecedented austerity measures on March 9. On Monday, the government also announced that the markets would close across the country except Sindh by 8pm to conserve energy. According to a statement issued by the PM’s Office (PMO) on Tuesday, the premier presided over a meeting to review the implementation of fuel- and energy-conservation measures, as well as austerity measures. “The meeting was briefed on the implementation of decisions regarding austerity measures that are aimed at achieving economic stability,” the PMO statement said. It said the meeting was also briefed on the arrangements made for the closure of markets and sh...